A learner driver left a five-year-old boy fighting for his life after mowing him down as he played outside his house.
Bobby Hughes suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by a silver Renault Megane Scenic being driven by 26-year-old Ella Cass.
After hitting the youngster, Cass then careered into a house on the quiet cul-de-sac in Saffron Walden, Essex.
Bobby was flown to hospital in a critical condition where he had to undergo emergency brain surgery to treat a serious brain injury.
On Wednesday, Cass admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving following the incident on March 15, 2017.
Speaking at the time, neighbour Carly Stokes, 36, said: “I think the passenger tried to pull the hand brake up to slow the car down.
“But obviously it didn’t and the driver swerved down the road into the house, hitting the little boy on the way.
“He was hit by the car and dragged across the road. It was terrible because I know the family and our children play together.
“Everyone was screaming, and I found the boy lying behind my car.”
Neighbour Anjel Carter, 27, said: “He is the loveliest boy. The most polite and well-mannered child.
“He always has a smile on his face.
“To hear it was him was heart wrenching.”
Limin Wang, who lives at the house which was struck by the car, said: “I was cooking in the kitchen when I heard a loud bang.
“I ran out and saw all the commotion. There were lots of children around and people were crying in the street.”
Cass, of Hertford, will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on May 23.
