Driver admits causing law student's death

Abigail Eggleston was "cruelly snatched from us much too soon," her family said

A driver who hit and fatally injured a law student before setting fire to the car has admitted causing death by dangerous driving.

Abigail Eggleston, from Northamptonshire, was crossing the A167 at Neville's Cross on the outskirts of Durham in the early hours of 26 October when she was hit by a Volkswagen Golf.

Liam Bowes failed to stop after striking the 22-year-old Durham University student, but was arrested after police found the smoke-damaged vehicle abandoned in a layby.

At Durham Crown Court, Bowes, 37, from Kelloe in County Durham, also pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice, driving without insurance and failing to stop after a collision. He will be sentenced on 2 March.

He was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing due to take place at Teesside Crown Court.

'Ray of sunshine'

Ms Eggleston was taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary for treatment but died a short time later.

In a statement released last month, her family described her as being "on track to conquer the world".

She was said to be a "constant ray of sunshine" and studying hard for her degree, "having fun discovering the world".

The tribute added: "You have been cruelly snatched from us much too soon darling, a great hole has been left in your place and life can never be the same again without you."

Two men, both aged 38, and a 59-year-old woman are currently on bail having been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.