A dangerous driver faces jail after admitting killing a teenage Billericay schoolboy who was hit by a car while waiting for a school bus.

Freddie Coleman, 15, died after being hit by a car in Stock just after 8.20am on November 3, 2023. 

Another pupil suffered serious, life-changing injuries and both had been on their way to the town's Mayflower High School that morning.

Stephen Mahebadevan, 26, of Orford Crescent, Chelmsford, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today (5 January).

He admitted to causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.

Mahebadevan had been arrested at the scene and was released on bail as Essex Police's investigation continued, before being charged in November last year.

Mahebadevan was released on bail and will be sentenced on February 6 at the same court.

In a statement following his tragic death, Freddie's parents Jason and Jo said: "Our beautiful boy Freddie, a much-loved son, grandson, brother, nephew and uncle sadly died on November 3 at 8.30am [2023].

"He was loved by everybody who knew him, our kind happy funny boy."

More than £28,000 raised in just over 48 hours following Freddie's death, which sparked an outpouring of grief in the community.

Mayflower headteacher Damian Lee said Freddie was a "much loved and respected member" of the school community who had a wide circle of friends in his year group and across the whole school.