Driver admits causing death of ‘beautiful’ girl, 10, in ‘hit-and-run’
A RECKLESS driver has admitted mowing down and causing the death of a “beautiful” ten-year-old girl in a horror hit-and-run.
Connor Marsden, 24, ploughed into Melissa Tate in Newcastle on September 25 before dumping his car and fleeing on foot.
He is now facing jail after admitting causing death by dangerous driving at the city’s crown court today.
Marsden also pleaded guilty to causing death by driving while uninsured and while unlicensed.
The court was told he was travelling at around 47mph on the 20mph road, but his defence team argued his speed was slower.
Melissa was rushed to hospital after the smash but died the following day – her sister’s ninth birthday.
Her devastated dad Michael Tate said his daughter was “a beautiful, smart, funny, cheeky and laid-back girl who had a heart of gold and not a bad bone in her body”.
The dad added: “She could brighten up anyone’s day and all she ever wanted to do is help people.”
SAVED FOUR OTHER LIVES
Melissa was laid to rest earlier this month with mourners blowing bubbles as they paid tribute to the tragic schoolgirl.
Her family said she had told them a few years ago that she wanted to join the organ donor register, and that as a result she has saved the lives of four other children.
A fund set up to help Melissa’s family cover the costs of her funeral, called Missy’s Forever Fund, raised over £9,000.
Melissa’s grandmother, Lisa Tara, previously paid tribute to her granddaughter, saying: “Us as a family, we just can’t thank people enough for what they’ve done.
“Just even by sending messages, laying flowers and donating, we just can’t thank you enough from the bottom of our hearts.
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“We didn’t realise how much humanity was out there over the evil.
“Missy has given hope to four other families and we are just so proud that she was able to do that for those families.”
Marsden will be sentenced on December 12.