A TAXI driver could be jailed after he today (May 7) admitted causing the death of a teenage student by driving carelessly.

Kirsty Fennon was killed when she was struck by a car on the A1085 between Redcar and Marske, east Cleveland.

Craig Williamson, 46, was due to go on trial at Teesside Crown Court, but changed his plea to guilty at the last minute.

He will be sentenced at the end of the month after background reports have been prepared by the Probation Service.

Judge Michael Taylor granted Williamson bail until his next appearance, but imposed an interim driving ban.

Williamson, of Byland Road, Skelton, east Cleveland, was arrested after the accident at 4.50am on April 6 last year.

Miss Fennon, from Redcar, was walking on a 40mph stretch of the road after a night out when she was struck.

An inquest heard how the teenager suffered a large number of cuts, bruises and abrasions in the incident.

She also sustained injuries to her neck and spinal cord and numerous fractures, Teesside's coroner was told.

At the time, her devastated parents Peter and Allison Fennon paid tribute to their “amazing” daughter.

They said in a statement: “It’s apparent that in her short life she has touched many people’s hearts.

“Kirsty was the most loyal friend that anyone could have wished for and she will be sadly missed by everyone.”