Man pleads guilty to killing King's College student in van collision
Aalia Mahomed died at the scene of the collision on in March last year.
A man has admitted causing the death of a King's College London student after his van hit a bench on the Strand.
Aalia Mahomed, 20, was studying physics and philosophy at the university when she died at the scene of the collision on 18th March last year.
Two other people, Irem Yoldas and Yamin Belmessous, sustained serious injuries in the incident.
Christopher Jackson, 27, from Southampton, appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday and pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Collision details
The court heard that Jackson's van collided with a metal gate, knocking it off its hinges before striking the bench where Ms Mahomed was sitting.
Prosecutor Fiona Robertson stated that Ms Mahomed's family and the two injured victims are keen for sentencing to take place before the anniversary of the incident.
Judge Philip Katz KC said Jackson faces "a substantial custodial sentence."
Sentencing set for March
Jackson, who has been remanded in custody, is due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on 6th March.
Jessica Clarke, defending, said Jackson has three young children with his fiancée and has been trying to provide financially for his family ahead of sentencing.
She argued that his case does not involve speeding, alcohol, or drugs, describing the incident as "a tragic accident."
Ms Mahomed was commemorated by King's College London, which listed her achievements as a second-year student on its website.