Driver pleads guilty after boy dies in crash

Seven-year-old William Brown died after being hit by a vehicle in December 2023

A hit-and-run driver from Kent has pleaded guilty to failing to stop after a collision last year in which a seven-year-old pedestrian was killed.

William Brown died in Folkestone on 6 December after being struck by a vehicle on the A259 Sandgate Esplanade.

Stewart Powell, 49, from Dunstall Gardens, St Mary's Bay, admitted the charge when he appeared at Folkestone Magistrates Court on Friday.

He also admitted driving without appropriate insurance.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing for further reports.

Speaking outside the court, William's mother, Laura Brown, said: "We don't have any witnesses to the crime, only two children, so we don't know the speed at which Stewart was driving. Only Stewart knows these facts.

Laura Brown said her family forgives Stewart Powell

"I think his actions after have been quite callous, but we, as a family, forgive him. We would just love him to come together and do some restorative justice and make a change."

Powell was granted unconditional bail and was given an interim driving ban.

Hundreds of people attended William's funeral in January.

The King had granted permission for William to be buried at his local church St Mary and St Eanswythe, in Folkestone, despite it no longer being used for burials, following appeals from his family.

William's father, William Brown, is opening a dessert parlour in Folkestone dedicated to his son.

It is hoped that the parlour will also be used as a base for schools to teach children about road safety.