A DRIVER who knocked down and killed a 12-year-old boy who had overcome cancer has been told he faces jaIl.

Steven Atkinson, 12, of Sunderland, was an inspiration to many for the way he successfully battled against leukaemia and there was a big turn out for his funeral in Sunderland Minster.

Mourners included Sunderland football heroes Jim Montgomery and Kevin Ball He died of multiple injuries one night last October after being run over in Grindon Broadway, Chester Road, Sunderland.

The driver of the car, Ross Telfer, 21, of Crichton Avenue, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, this morning admitted causing death by careless driving when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.

Prosecutor Peter Gair told the court that the plea was made on the basis that he was breaking the road's 30 mph speed limit.

He said prosecution experts estimated he was doing "no less than 53 mph'' at the time of the accident.

Judge Brian Forster adjourned sentence until Tuesday, September 14 for the preparation of reports and told Telfer: "Clearly this is a tragedy for everyone involved. A young person has lost their life.

"I have asked for a pre-sentence report and I make it clear that you must expect a custodial sentence in this case.''

The judge imposed an immediate minimum driving ban of 12 months and granted Telfer continued bail until the sentencing hearing.