A MAN has pleaded guilty to causing the death of popular Ilkley woman Jane Floweth by dangerous driving.

Ms Floweth, 68, a much-loved volunteer at the town’s Literature Festival, died in hospital after being critically injured in a crash near the Guide Post Hotel in Common Road, Low Moor, Bradford, on February 24 last year.

Billy Horsfall, 25, who fled the scene of the collision, arrived at Bradford Crown Court on crutches on Friday.

Bearded Horsfall, who wore a blue tracksuit, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Ms Floweth by driving a Vauxhall Astra dangerously.

Horsfall, of no fixed abode, had his case adjourned until March 13 for the preparation of a psychiatric report.

His barrister, Andrew Dallas, told the court: “There are issues which could be relevant to sentence.”

Mr Dallas did not request a report from the probation service.

Dave MacKay, for the prosecution, said there was CCTV footage of the crash that could be shown at the sentencing hearing.

Mr MacKay suggested that it is viewed on the day by a judge in chambers to avoid causing additional distress to friends and family of Ms Floweth who may be seated in the public gallery.

The court heard that there was no need to impose an interim driving ban on Horsfall following his guilty plea because he was already disqualified from driving until June.

Judge Neil Davey QC enlarged Horsfall’s bail until the next hearing.

He warned him to expect to go to prison, saying the psychiatric report was just to ensure that all the relevant information was available to the sentencing judge.

Ms Floweth, a passenger in a blue Honda Jazz that was struck by Horsfall’s silver Vauxhall Astra, died on March 2.

Horsfall was arrested two days later after a police appeal to trace him.

Residents who lived close to the crash scene reported seeing a man running away up Low Moor Street and along Hill Top Fold.