Three people today confessed their roles in this shocking hit-and-run crash in which a 53-year-old pedestrian was hurled into the air like a rag doll.
The speeding Fiat 500 hit Andy Payne as he crossed the road, throwing him several metres as his belongings from his pockets were strewn across the Tarmac.
He was rushed to hospital and was later lucky to walk away with his life.
Andy Payne flew several metres down the road after he was hit by a Fiat 500 in a hit-and-run in Brighton
Builder Adam McDermott, 33, of South Coast Road, Brighton, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving, conspiring with Clark Walker to pervert the course of justice, failing to stop at an injury road traffic collision and driving without insurance or a licence.
Unemployed Walker, 32, of Ditchling Rise, Brighton, had already admitted perverting the course of justice with Adam McDermott.
Jobless Robyn Burns, 30, of South Coast Road, Brighton, also admitted conspiring with McDermott to pervert the cause of justice.
McDermott and Burns, a couple, were due to stand trial at Lewes Crown Court but pleaded guilty today.
Shocking footage shows Mr Payne thrown threw the air after the vehicle ploughs into him in the Kemptown area
The horrific crash happened at 3.40pm on Thursday, January 14 last year when Mr Payne attempted to cross Montague Place from St George’s Terrace in Kemptown, Brighton.
Sergeant Dan Pitcher, of Sussex Police, said: ‘We have worked extremely hard as a team to bring these three to justice for the Payne family.
‘How Andy is still alive and has no major long lasting physical damage is a miracle.
Adam McDermott, pictured here leaving custody in Brighton, admitted his role in the hit-and-run
‘McDermott’s actions that day were awful, he drove without regard for anyone’s life and when he did hit Mr Payne he didn’t even stop.
‘He would have known how hard he hit him and he didn’t even break. For all he knew Mr Payne was dead.
‘Thankfully this investigation has not been into Mr Payne’s death, this only comes down to luck.
Robyn Burns leaves Brighton Magistrates’ Court after the crash flung Mr Payne into the air in the seaside town
‘Burns and Walker conspired with McDermott to cover up his actions and claim the car had been stolen.
‘Burns has already been charged and sentenced for insurance fraud for the car, having been given 80 hours community service.
‘She now faces a much more severe punishment for perverting the course of justice.’
All three are due to be sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on November 17.