Atif Dayaji, of Blackburn, Lancashire, has been told to expect a lengthy prison sentence after admitting causing death by dangerous driving
A motorist has been told he faces jail after admitting ploughing into and killing a nine year-old boy.
Atif Dayaji, 26, who has dubbed himself ‘The Stig’ on his Twitter profile as reference to the racing car driver in Top Gear, hit nine year-old Adam Limbada with his white BMW 4 series car as he crossed the road, Preston Crown Court heard.
The youngster was propelled 20 metres after being hit by Dayaji on August 4, 2016.
Dayaji, of Blackburn, Lancashire, has been told to expect a lengthy prison sentence after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.
Judge Simon Newell released Dayaji on bail pending pre-sentence reports but imposed an immediate driving ban and stressed prison was inevitable.
Sentencing rules say the maximum prison term for causing death by dangerous driving is 14 years.
The incident happened as ‘joyful’ Daisyfield Primary School pupil Adam crossed the busy Whalley New Road in Blackburn near to the junction with Plane Street at 10.55pm.
Dayaji, 26, who has dubbed himself ‘The Stig’ on his Twitter profile, hit nine year-old Adam Limbada with his white BMW 4 series car as he crossed the road
Adam was walking to his father who had already crossed the road but was hit by the BMW.
The youngster suffered multiple injuries and was taken to hospital where he later died.
Speaking after the incident Kirsty Gagg, deputy headteacher at Daisyfield school, said the whole school community had been devastated by Adam’s death.
She said: ‘We are all blessed to have been graced by Adam’s big heart, inviting personality and huge smile.
‘He will be greatly missed from our school family.’
Hundreds of mourners attended the youngster’s funeral service last year at Pleasington Crematorium.
Community leaders said the accident had deeply affected ‘two lovely families’.
Little Harwood councillor Naushad Surve said: ‘This is a real tragedy for both families. Adam’s family have put on a very brave face.
‘They are a very religious and forgiving family and their faith and belief has allowed them to carry on in such difficult circumstances.
‘My deepest sympathies go to both families. No one goes out to do things like this.
Judge Simon Newell released Dayaji on bail at Preston Crown Court (above) pending pre-sentence reports but imposed an immediate driving ban and stressed prison was inevitable
‘Things can happen in a instant, so it is important to be cautious with your actions as it can change the course of your life.
‘We can put all the traffic calming measures in place, but people need to avoid sad and life-changing tragedies.
‘Leasing and insurance companies need to take more responsibility when hiring out these vehicles as incidents like these tend to happen at the younger end of the scale.
‘I urge parents to keep a close eye on their children when they are hiring cars as it is a very big responsibility.’
Cllr Pat McFall, who also represents Little Harwood, said: ‘I am glad Dayaji has stood up and admitted his crime.’