Driver faces jail over Sunderland boy's death
A driver has been told he faces jail after admitting causing the death by careless driving of a 12-year-old Sunderland boy who had overcome cancer.
Steven Atkinson, of Fordham Road, died in hospital after he was struck by a car while riding his bike in the city in October last year.
Newcastle Crown Court heard Ross Telfer, 21, was travelling at 50mph in a 30mph zone when Steven was hit.
Steven, a keen Sunderland fan, had successfully battled leukaemia.
The court was told the youngster was riding his bike on Chester Road in the Grindon area of Sunderland when he was struck by a black Mini driven by Telfer, from Chester-le-Street in County Durham.
Steven, who was a pupil of Grindon Broadway school, was born with a cleft palate, jaw defect and curvature of the spine and at 18 months old, was diagnosed with leukaemia. He battled the disease for three years.
He was described as an inspiration to everyone who knew him after recovering from the disease.
Telfer, who admitted causing death by careless driving, was granted unconditional bail until his sentencing next month.
Judge Brian Foster told him to expect a custodial sentence. An interim order was also put in place banning him from driving until he is sentenced.