Motorist warned he faces jail for causing death of boy, six

Peter Renshaw, 22, was driving a Fiat Seicento when he struck and killed Owen Wightman near the boy’s home in Wakefield last June.

He admitted causing death by dangerous driving at Leeds Crown Court yesterday.

However, the case was not opened and was adjourned until Monday when a Newton hearing will take place to resolve other alleged “aggravating features” which include allegedly failing to stop at the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident.

It is also alleged damage was inflicted on the vehicle after the collision “with a view to disguise what had taken place”, the court was told.

Owen was struck by Renshaw’s car while out playing with a friend close to his home on Fishpond Lane, Kettlethorpe, Wakefield.

The court was told the speed of the Fiat was also disputed, with the prosecution alleging it was travelling at 59mph.

Defending, Richard Clewes said an expert’s report suggested the speed could be 53.7mph or higher.

Mr Clewes said the prosecution alleged that his client, of Grange Drive, Emley, Huddersfield, must have realised he had hit a pedestrian.

“That is something that he does not accept,” he told the court.

Judge Geoffrey Marson, QC, imposed an interim driving ban and told Renshaw he could expect to go to jail.