Driver admits role in death of Vikki Jones in horror crash

Tyler Kendall, who was travelling at more than twice the speed limit when tragedy struck, also pleaded guilty to causing serious injury to the victim's daughter Talia, who was 11 at the time but has had a birthday since the smash which happened on September 22 last year.

The defendant, who fled from the scene after his BMW ploughed into the Alfa Romeo being driven by Ms Jones in Wood Road, Lower Gornal, further admitted failing to stop after an accident.

Ms Jones was treated by paramedics but her life could not be saved and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kendall was at the wheel of a BMW which analysis of CCTV camera footage close to the scene revealed was travelling at 75 mph in a 30 zone just 75 metres before the impact, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told yesterday.

Mr Robert Price, prosecuting, explained: "The defendant was driving at a dangerously excessive speed as he travelled down Ellowes Road and into Wood Road.

"The Alfa Romeo of Ms Jones was turning right as the defendant approached, still at a dangerously excessive speed.

"Ms Jones lost her life in the catastrophic accident that followed.

"Her 11-year-old daughter, who was a passenger in the car, broke her left humerus. Kendall did not stay at the scene. He fled and went home."

Further inquiries by investigators revealed that the BMW had been driven at highly excessive speed on at least three separate occasions during the run up to the accident, the court heard.

Mr Andrew Tucker, defending, asked for the case to be adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared together with evidence concerning the medical state of the defendant and character references.

Kendall from Whitebeam Close, Lower Gornal was bailed until May 29 when he is expected to be sentenced.

Judge Barry Berlin told him: "You have pleaded guilty to two very serious offences and the likelihood is that you will received a substantial period of immediate custody.

"Do not think because I am allowing you bail that the outcome will be anything other than that."

The family of Ms Jones said in a statement after her death: "We have lost the most beautiful, caring, loving, funny, kind hearted person you could ever wish to meet.

"She was a beautiful, strong, caring and loving person who had a massive heart and a love for life. She lived for her family, especially her daughter. She was a fantastic mother, and a brilliant role model.

"Vikki was one of those special people, the kind you don’t come across very often. Losing her has put a great big hole in all of our lives that can never be replaced."

Following Ms Jones' death, the community held a candlelit vigil with special readings and a celebration of her life before a two-minute silence was held.

A campaign was then launched for extra safety measures on the road.

Dudley North MP Ian Austin also handed in a petition to Dudley Council.