THE driver of a car that plunged over Prison Bridge in Devizes, killing young mother Karly Heweson has admitted causing her death.

Brad Hayden, 26, of Parkfield, Devizes, pleaded guilty at Salisbury Crown Court to causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving nearly a year after the crash.

Hayden was bailed to appear in Salisbury on September 27, for sentence. Judge Andrew Barnett ordered the preparation of a psychiatric report.

On August 27 last year Hayden was at the wheel of a Seat Ibiza when it went out of control and smashed through safety barriers at Prison Bridge, hurtled over the canal and landed on the towpath on the other side.

Karly, 21, died in the accident and her friend aged 20 was seriously injured. Hayden and another young man had left the car by the time emergency services arrived.

The death led to a huge outpouring of grief among Karly’s family and close friends and the bridge was turned into a shrine.

Karly, who had a toddler son JJ, was remembered as a wonderful mother who had the ability to make others laugh and be happy.

At her funeral St John’s Church was decorated with giant sun flowers and people dressed in yellow and orange. Along with the order of service the congregation were given sun flower seeds to plant in her memory.

At the time her family said: “Just under two years ago she became a mother to beautiful Joshua giving us the most precious grandson.

“Karly was a fantastic mum. It is impossible to put into words just how devastated we are to have lost our Karly so suddenly and in such tragic circumstances. Her energy, beauty and love of life will live on in her son JJ.

On Saturday her mum Julie posted a passage on a Facebook page set up in Karly’s memory which said: “It took an instant to lose you and it will take my entire life to grieve the loss of you.”