Motorist pleads guilty to Leonie killing

A motorist who hit a six-year-old girl and left her dying on a dual carriageway today pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

Colin Meek, 42, struck Leonie Shaw in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, in April, at about 60mph. Meek, who was due to stand trial, changed his plea at Leeds Crown Court. Sentencing was adjourned for reports.

Leonie had been playing with friends a few yards from her home before she crossed the road to buy some sweets and was hit by Meek's Rover 827si. Meek, of Spennymoor, County Durham, stopped and got out of the car but then drove away. Leonie was taken to hospital where she died from her injuries.

Relative Colleen Goldsborough, 38, said: "She was lying motionless in the road. It was awful. How could anyone leave her like that?"