Hit-and-run mum pleads guilty to killing schoolboy

A woman who knocked down and killed a young boy in her car before fleeing the scene has admitted causing his death by dangerous driving.

Hannah Saaf, 27, from Bristol, pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to killing 11-year-old Sam Riddall on 1 May. The schoolboy was walking with friends after leaving a youth club service at a nearby church when Saaf's Ford Focus estate careered on to the pavement and hit the group.

Saaf, who has two children of her own, then fled the scene on foot. After a widespread police search, she was found nine days later sleeping in a barn in the village of Publow, 10 miles from the scene of the crime.

Dressed in a grey pinstripe suit, purple jumper and black headband, she appeared calm as she entered her plea at court yesterday.

The Recorder of Bristol, Judge Tom Crowther, adjourned sentencing to 27 November for psychiatric reports to be prepared. Defending counsel, Ian Kelcey, said Saaf is undergoing "inpatient treatment at a mental health establishment". Judge Crowther told the court a hospital disposal order could be considered.