Linda Donnelly died after being hit by a car on Brewster Street in Bootle in December 2024
19:00, 14 May 2026Updated 19:49, 14 May 2026
Lin Donnelly died after being hit by Neil Jones’ Ford Focus in December 2024(Image: Family/Merseyside Police)
A man has admitted causing a 72-year-old woman’s death after she was hit by a car. Linda Donnelly, known as Lin, died after being struck by a Ford Focus on Brewster Street in Bootle on December 12 2024.
Neil Jones, of Morningside Road in Norris Green, has since been charged with causing her death by careless driving. The 48-year-old was brought before Liverpool Crown Court this afternoon, Thursday, in order to face this single count.
Appearing via video link to HMP Altcourse wearing a black fleece, Jones spoke only to confirm his name before pleading guilty. Members of Ms Donnelly’s family appeared emotional in the public gallery as he admitted the offence.
Jones previously pleaded guilty to another matter of dangerous driving, committed on December 23 last year, at Chester Crown Court yesterday, Wednesday May 13.
He also admitted two offences of battery and making threats with an offensive weapon, namely a hammer.
Callum Ross, defending, told the court: “Clearly, he understands the situation that he is in and is realistic as to sentence.
“He has been a carer for his cousin for a number of years and has mental health difficulties himself.”
Jones will now be sentenced on all matters on June 19, being further remanded into custody until this date. Adjourning the case, Judge Anil Murray said: “You have now pleaded guilty to this offence and to offences in Chester.
“You will get credit for that when you are sentenced which, I think, will be on June 19.
“I will order a pre-sentence report. I remand you into custody on this case.
“Do not read anything into the fact that I am ordering a pre-sentence report. All options are open.
“Given the type of offending here, it is overwhelmingly likely that the sentence will be one of immediate imprisonment.”
The ECHO previously reported that emergency services were called to the scene at around 7.45pm on the evening in question following a collision involving a car and a pedestrian, who later died in hospital.
Eyewitnesses described seeing bags and Christmas presents strewn across in the aftermath, with a large cordon having been put in place near to the junction with Selwyn Street.
Paying tribute to her in a statement, Lin’s family said: “Words can’t describe the pain in our hearts at the unbearable loss of you. Our life will never be the same without you.”