Man admits causing death of dad-of-two by dangerous driving

Paul Whitfield was charged after a lengthy investigation into the death of 21-year-old Adam Cunliffe in the early hours of January 12, 2022.

Adam was found by police lying in the road on Moss Bank Road.

Emergency services confirmed he had died at the scene.

The scene of the incident in Moss Bank (Image: St Helens Star)

Whitfield, 54, of Hammond Street, in Parr, appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court today and pleaded guilty to causing his death by driving a Mazda 3 dangerously on Washway Lane, Scafell Road and Africander Road.

The Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Andrew Menary, KC, warned that it is inevitable that a prison term awaits Whitfield.

He further remanded him on bail to await sentence on August 6.

Family's tribute

After Adam's life was taken in the hit-and-run incident, his family shared a heartbreaking tribute to the 21-year-old.

The tribute read: "[Adam was] a much-loved grandson, son, stepson, brother, stepbrother, cousin and a father to Alexia aged four and George aged nine months.

"Adam was a super-intelligent, lovely, polite, caring young man who was one in a million.

"He had a very promising career working at the University of Manchester as an animal technician and his potential was quickly spotted by his bosses with him destined to climb through the ranks to the top.

Flowers left at the scene (Image: St Helens Star)

"He had the ability to light up any room he walked into with his bubbly personality and sense of humour.

"He was definitely a nanny’s boy, who was not only his nan but his best friend. The bond between them was clear for everyone to see.

"All who had the pleasure of knowing Adam has been left with a lasting impression and no doubt will be impacted by his early death.

"He made me proud every day and touched the hearts of so many and will be massively missed.

"He was and still is my world, my everything. Love you Adam my son, until we meet again."

We have been asked by Merseyside Police following a request from Adam's family to use Cunliffe as his surname in our reporting.