A WOMAN is facing jail after pleading guilty today to causing the death of a schoolboy in a road collision.

Zoe Bennison, of Hylton Close, Hartlepool, will return to Teesside Crown Court to be sentenced next month.

The 26-year-old admitted causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving during a brief court hearing.

The Range Rover she was driving hit nine-year-old Ethan Owens, who died in hospital eight days later on March 7.

The accident happened on Marina Way, Hartlepool, not far from where the youngster lived with his parents.

He was airlifted to hospital - after suffering head, pelvis and spinal injuries - where his family kept a bedside vigil.

The local community gathered at a church where 1,200 candles were lit, and blue balloons were released.

At a moving funeral service, he was describe as being full of energy with "a cheeky smile and sparkly eyes".