Connor Emms, of South Shields, will be jailed in January at his sentence hearing
A hit-and-run driver has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a 20-year-old man at Newcastle Crown Court.
Connor Emms, 21, of South Shields, will receive a jail sentence on 8 January 2018 after striking Lewis Knapp, 20, in a Vauxhall Vectra as Mr Knapp made his way home from a night out on Good Friday. He suffered fatal injuries and later died at the scene.
Family and friends of Mr Knapp were at Newcastle Crown Court to hear Mr Emms plead guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, drug-driving, failing to stop after the accident, driving with no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
Lewis will be desperately missed by many people and I can only hope that the unnecessary heartache Mr Emms has caused will serve as a warning to others who put lives at risk with their reckless driving.David Robinson of Thompsons Solicitors
David Robinson, senior serious injury solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors, represented Mr Knapp’s family in court. He said: “Having supported the Knapp family in the months after Lewis’ tragic death, and a number of families over the years who have lost loved ones in road traffic crashes, I have seen the utter devastation that dangerous driving can cause. Lewis will be desperately missed by many people and I can only hope that the unnecessary heartache Mr Emms has caused will serve as a warning to others who put lives at risk with their reckless driving.
“It will be of little comfort to Lewis’ family that the man responsible for his death will be jailed, however, I hope they will finally be able to grieve in peace away from the intensity of the investigation.”
Emms has been granted bail with conditions that he lives at his home address, does not contact prosecution witnesses and co-operates with the preparation of a probation report.
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