Hit-and-run driver who killed boy, 11, had been banned three times

A HIT-AND-RUN motorist who killed an 11-year-old boy had been banned from the road on three occasions for dangerous driving, a court has heard.

Michael Ricardo Robinson, 31, yesterday pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court to causing the death of Taylor Schofield by dangerous driving in Beswick, Manchester, on January 12.

Robinson drove at an estimated 55mph moments before he struck Taylor’s pedal cycle at about 6.10pm in Albert Street – a 20mph zone in a residential area, the court heard.

Taylor, described in court by his mother as a “very bright, intelligent kid who was always smiling and joking”, was pronounced dead by doctors just 30 minutes after he was taken to hospital with head and chest injuries.

His mother, Beverley Law, said Taylor had been “excited” at being able to ride his mountain bike after it had been fixed.

Gavin Howie, prosecuting, said another motorist witnessed the youngster fly into the air from the collision and told police that the boy did nothing wrong.

CCTV footage from The Townley pub, close to the scene, was analysed using specialist software which determined that Robinson’s grey Volkswagen Golf was travelling at 55mph, said Mr Howie.

Robinson got out of his vehicle following the “glancing blow” and went over to see Taylor but then “panicked” and drove off from the scene, the court heard.

Brian Hoffman, defending, said he received a phone call from an “extremely distressed” Robinson at 6.24pm and advised him to turn himself in.

Robinson then said goodbye to his five-year-old daughter and attended a local police station shortly before 7.30pm where he went on to fully co-operate with the investigation, said Mr Hoffman.

Taylor’s parents, Beverley and Terry, and other family members in court heard that Robinson had 10 previous convictions for 15 offences. Robinson, of Gorton, was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing tomorrow.

In a statement read out by Mr Howie, Taylor’s mother said her son was “a genius” who excelled at all subjects.