Teenager admits hit-and-run death

A teenager tearfully admitted causing the death of a 10-year-old boy in a hit-and-run accident when he appeared at York Crown Court yesterday

John Smith, 18, is charged over the death of Sean Hamilton, who was hit by a Ford Transit van on 3 October last year. North Yorkshire Police said the occupants of the van stopped but then abandoned the vehicle and ran off.

In court yesterday, Smith fought back tears as he pleaded guilty to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving, failing to stop at the scene and failing to report the accident.

The Recorder of York, Judge Stephen Ashurst, said he could not promise he would not be handed a custodial sentence.