A DISQUALIFIED driver who knocked over and killed a child yesterday denied that he did not have the courage to admit another driving offence.

Prosecution barrister Martin Towers suggested to Colin Meek that the reason he would not plead guilty to dangerous driving was because he had been sentenced to four years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving in 2002.

Mr Towers asked Meek, who was giving evidence: "After what happened in 2002 with the girl, you simply have not got the courage to admit that on this occasion you got behind the wheel of the car, have you?"

Meek, of no fixed address but originally from Spennymoor, County Durham, replied: "I can admit burglary, I can admit what I have done."

Questioning Meek further at Teesside Crown Court, the barrister told the defendant: "You can't admit you were driving the car after what happened four years earlier that's what this is all about is it not?"

Meek replied: "No."

The 38-year-old has pleaded guilty to burglary following a ram-raid at Woolworths, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, on May 18, but denies he was the getaway driver.

Another man, Michael Collier, also of no fixed address, has pleaded guilty to his part in the burglary.

Meek, who has admitted he was a disqualified driver at the time of the offence told the jury at his trial that Collier had been driving the Mazda 626 car used in the smash-and-grab.

Police pursued the vehicle in the early hours of the morning from the A1M near Scotch Corner through Redworth and Shildon, County Durham, before it came to a halt in Coundon, County Durham, and both men were arrested.

A third man involved in the raid has never been caught.

The jury will retire to consider its verdict today.