A MOTORIST has admitted causing the death of a pensioner crossing a road after dark on a winter evening.

Norman Hodgson suffered serious head injuries in the collision, involving a Toyota Aygo car, on Waldridge Road, not far from his home in Chester-le-Street, at about 5.45pm on Tuesday, January 3 last year.

Seventy-nine-year-old Mr Hodgson, of Gibbs Court, died in Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, the following afternoon.

Stephen Paul Wells, who was at the wheel of the Aygo, yesterday (Friday May 31) admitted causing death by careless driving at a short plea hearing at Durham Crown Court.

But his barrister, Jane Waugh, told the court that his ‘guilty’ plea was on the basis he was travelling at 34-miles-per- hour on what was a 30-limit stretch of road.

The prosecution believes he may have been driving at a higher speed.

Shaun Dodds, for the Crown, said the basis of plea would be considered by a reviewing lawyer.

The case was adjourned to a further hearing in three weeks, following the prosecution review.

Recorder Graham Hyland bailed 44-year-old Wells, of Glen Barr, Chester-le-Street, to return to court on June 20.