A YOUNG man has pleaded guilty to causing the death of an 18-year-old girl by dangerous driving in Cheshire.

Thomas Baird, 22, appeared at Chester Crown Court this morning (Friday, October 12) when he was told he faces a lengthy prison sentence.

He also admitted being over the drink-drive limit at the time of the crash, in which his passenger Demi Paige Grewer suffered fatal injuries.

The incident happened on the A34 Birrell Way in Wilmslow in the early hours of Sunday, July 23 last year.

Officers who attended the scene found that a white Vauxhall Mokka had crashed into street furniture. Miss Grewer, from Manchester, was rushed to hospital but died a short time later.

Baird, of Whitchurch Road, Manchester, entered his guilty pleas today in front of a packed public gallery and was granted bail until his sentencing hearing on Friday, November 30.

A psychological report and Probation Service pre-sentence report were both requested for the defendant.

Judge Patrick Thompson told him: “A lengthy custodial sentence is inevitable in this case.”

Miss Grewer’s family paid tribute to her shortly after the crash.

In a statement, they said: “Our beautiful daughter and loving sister was taken too soon. Demi had an infectious laugh and was so bubbly, she loved life, her job and gave it everything.

"She had just turned 18 and couldn't wait to start her adult life. We beam with pride as we see what a wonderful young lady she was. Our heart breaks as we have to say goodbye.

"Darren says she always rang 'daddy day care' for her lifts. She was truly loved by her friends and family and will be missed by everyone."