A 23-YEAR-OLD man has admitted killing a pensioner on a mobility scooter by driving dangerously through Bradford earlier this year.

Najeeb Hussain appeared at Bradford Crown Court yesterday and pleaded guilty to causing Michael McDermott's death by dangerous driving, as well as two charges of causing death by driving while unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured.

Slim, bearded, short-haired Hussain, of Addison Avenue, Bradford Moor, was warned by Judge Jonathan Rose that he would receive a prison sentence.

Hussain will be sentenced on December 18. He was released on bail until that hearing and was told he was disqualified from driving or holding a licence.

At a hearing at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court in July, Hussain's solicitor, Khalid Hussain, had said his client would be indicating a not guilty plea. That court had also heard that Hussain had surrendered his passport as part of a pre-hearing bail condition.

Mr McDermott, 70, of Derby Place, Laisterdyke, died when his scooter was struck by a Seat Leon Cupra, in Leeds Road, Thornbury, on Friday, February 20.

The father-of-seven died at the scene of the collision, which happened at lunchtime near to the junction of Thornbury Avenue with Leeds Road.

Mr McDermott, who was affectionately known as Micky Mack, was on his way home on his mobility scooter when the incident happened.

He had been to the Post Office, paid his dominoes subs at a local pub and been shopping in the hours before his death.

The impact hurled him 15ft into the road and left his scooter embedded in the front of the car. Two young Asian men were seen by witnesses to get out of the car and flee the scene.

Mr McDermott had been born and bred in Ireland but had settled in Bradford more than 30 years ago.

After the tragedy, Mr McDermott's son, David McDermott, described his father as well known in the area, popular and much loved.

He said: "He was a good and decent man, who was always jolly. He worked all his life.

"He was happy in Bradford. He will be sadly missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends, both in Ireland and England."

The tragedy also prompted councillors to raise the issue of road safety in the area.

Councillor Faisal Khan (The Bradford Independent Group, Bradford Moor) said after Mr McDerrmott's death: “One death is too many and something needs to happen for people to feel more confident about their safety.”