A SPEEDING BMW driver knocked down and killed a seven-year-old boy who had followed a friend across the road for a drink of water, a court was told yesterday.

David Josh Cameron was hit on a pedestrian crossing while on his bicycle.

He had been playing with a group of friends near his home when one boy crossed Stamfordham Road, Newcastle, to go home for a drink.

David followed and was almost at the other side when he was hit by Mark Tye, 22, who was driving a silver BMW.

Tye, of Chapel Park, Newcastle, admitted causing death by dangerous driving, during a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.

The court heard how Tye had zig-zagged past other cars while driving at least 61mph in a 40mph area.

Julian Smith, prosecuting, said the car was unroadworthy, and said: "The cause of the accident was the dangerous manner of driving, in carrying out combined overtaking, followed by undertaking, followed by him moving to the outside lane before impact, and the high speed of the vehicle at the time."

David was pronounced dead shortly after he arrived at hospital.

Investigations revealed he crossed the road when the lights were green to traffic.

Christopher Knox, in mitigation, said Tye accepted responsibility for the death.

He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced today.