A man accused of causing the death of a teenager in a hit and run has admitted driving the car involved and torching it afterwards.

Alessia Boschiazzo, 14, from Carshalton was knocked down on Morland Road, Croydon on February 25 this year.

The Ursuline High School student, who hoped to attend Croydon’s famous Brit School, died from her injuries a week later.

Steven Saunders, of Gardeners Close, Mottingham, pleaded guilty to charges of driving a Renault Clio involved in a fatal accident while uninsured and attempting to pervert the course of justice by setting it alight on the night of the incident when he appeared at Croydon Crown Court on November 25.

The car was found burned out in nearby Davies Close.

The 21-year-old, who wept in the dock, pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

He was remanded in custody and will reappear in court on April 23 for trial.