Man, 47, admits carjack killing

Paul Wales has admitted killing a grandmother in a carjack crash

A man has admitted knocking down and killing a grandmother in a hatchback he had carjacked from her sister.

Supermarket worker Pamela Phinn, 48, tried to push her two grandchildren out of the way of the speeding car which was being followed by police.

Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday, Paul Wales, 47, of Gorst Street, Walton, Liverpool, admitted causing death by dangerous driving.

He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced in September.

The crash happened in South Shields, South Tyneside, on 11 May this year.

Wales also admitted aggravated vehicle taking and driving without insurance and a licence.

The dead woman's grandchildren were also injured

Mrs Phinn's grandchildren, Dean, then 18 months, and Mia Phinn, then seven months, were injured in the crash as was their mother Kelly Laws, 29.

Ms Laws is still recovering but the children, who were in pushchairs, have made a full recovery.

The court heard how Wales, who was staying with a friend in South Shields, spotted a Honda Civic on the day of the crash outside a shop, went up to the owner and threatened her with a screwdriver.

He then forced her out of the car and drove off later losing control and crashing into Mrs Phinn and her family.

Wales was known to have drunk alcohol before stealing the car, but tests later showed he was not above the drink-drive limit, the court heard.

Det Chief Insp Tim Walker of Northumbria Police said: " It is impossible for anyone to grasp the full extent of the devastation Paul Wales has caused this family by his reckless and dangerous actions.

"This incident was compounded by the extraordinary coincidence that the Honda was stolen from Pamela Phinn's sister.

" We hope that following today's hearing the family is able to put this part of the events behind them and begin to move on with their lives. We will continue to support them as much as possible."

The Independent Police Complaints Commission had been involved in the investigation as the Honda Civic was being followed by a patrol car when it crashed.