A LOWER Gornal man who killed a young mother by driving dangerously has been warned he is facing a long spell behind bars.

Tyler Kendall had been hitting a "dangerously excessive speed" when he ploughed his BMW into a car being driven by Vikki Jones in Lower Gornal.

Robert Price, prosecuting, told Wolverhampton Crown Court that investigating officers had estimated that Kendal had hit 75mph just 75 metres before the point of impact.

Kendall, of Whitebeam Close, then fled the scene of the crash in Wood Road on September 22 last year.

Ms Jones, aged 30, died after suffering "catastrophic" injuries while her 11-year-old daughter was also seriously hurt.

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to causing the death of Ms Jones by driving dangerously.

He also pleaded guilty to causing serious injury to Ms Jones' daughter, who is now aged 12, by driving dangerously and failing to stop after an accident.

Kendall was remanded on unconditional bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report until May 29 and disqualified from driving immediately.

But Judge Barry Berlin warned him: "You have pleaded guilty to two very serious charges and the likelihood is that you will be receiving a substantial period of custody."

He added: "Do not think because I am allowing you bail that the outcome will be anything other than a custodial sentence."

Andrew Tucker, defending Kendall - who wore a dark suit and waistcoat with a white shirt and tie - said that the report was essential before the case could be finalised.

He also told the judge that he wanted to put in a number of character references on behalf of Kendall before sentence was passed.