A VAN driver has pleaded guilty to mowing down and killing a student as she ate lunch on a bench.
Aalia Mahome was struck after the vehicle ploughed into a group of people outside King’s College in central London.
Tragically, the 20-year-old physics and philosophy student could not be saved and was declared dead at the scene.
Two other people, Irem Yoldas and Yamin Belmessous, were injured in the horror on March 18 last year.
Christopher Jackson, 27, appeared at the Old Bailey today where he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
The dad-of-three also admitted two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The court was told previously that Jackson smashed through a metal gate before hitting the bench where Aalia was sitting.
Police found no mechanical defects on the van that may have contributed to the crash.
Jessica Clarke, defending, told the court: “Unlike many cases of death by dangerous driving which involve excessive speed, alcohol and drugs, this involves none of that.
“It was a tragic accident.”
Jackson was remanded into custody ahead of sentencing on March 6.
In a statement, Aalia’s family said previously: “Aalia was a bright, kind and beautiful soul, who brought joy and laughter to everyone.
“She was a ray of sunshine in our lives, and will be deeply missed by all her family and friends.
“Her light will always live on in our memories and her smile will be our strength as we get through this difficult time.”
