A van driver has admitted running over and killing a woman following an alleged dispute.

James Martin, 27, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Stella Frew by dangerous driving.

The 38-year-old victim was said to have got into a white Transit van and was later involved in a dispute with the driver.

As she was hanging on to the outside of the vehicle, Martin accelerated away quickly, the Old Bailey heard.

The incident happened in Tonfield Road, Sutton, south London, just before 6pm on July 24 last year.

On Tuesday, the defendant, of Peeks Brook Lane, Crawley, West Sussex, was due to face trial for Ms Frew’s manslaughter.

However, prosecutor Jonathan Polnay said the guilty plea to the alternative charge of death by dangerous driving was acceptable to the Crown.

He said: “It is the prosecution view that plea is acceptable given the maximum sentence available for the offence of causing death by dangerous driving and the court guidelines.

“The prosecution consider the court would be able to pass a sentence commensurate with the seriousness of the offence and reflects the conduct.”

He added that, by “accelerating quickly” with Ms Frew hanging on to the car, the defendant created a “substantial risk of danger” and his knowledge at the time was an “important factor”.

Judge Richard Marks QC made an interim order disqualifying Martin from driving.

He also granted him continued bail as he adjourned sentencing.

Members of Ms Frew’s family sat in Court One of the Old Bailey for the hearing.