Man admits causing hit-and-run death of four-year-old Violet-Grace Youens

A man has admitted causing the death of a four-year-old girl in a hit-and-run.

Violet-Grace Youens was struck while walking in St Helens, Merseyside, on March 24.

Aidan McAteer, 23, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court via prison video link to causing her death by dangerous driving.

Violet-Grace's mother, Rebecca, wept in the public gallery as she sat hand-in-hand with husband Glenn in the public gallery.

McAteer also admitted causing serious injury to Violet-Grace's grandmother, Angela French, 55, who is recovering in hospital.

His co-defendant, Dean Brennan, 27, also appearing from HMP Liverpool, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking and assisting an offender.

Both will be sentenced on May 19.

Judge Dennis Watson QC told the pair they were facing lengthy jail sentences as he further remanded them in custody.

McAteer sat with his head bowed for the majority of the 13-minute hearing.

Mr and Mrs Youens did not take their eyes off the screen showing the defendants as they were joined in a packed public gallery by family and friends all wearing violet-coloured ribbons.