A CYCLIST who mowed down a nine-year-old girl on a pedestrian crossing this summer has pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.

Philip Douglas Benwell, 38, was warned that he may face a jail term after admitting the charge at Bournemouth Crown Court, relating to a collision near Branksome Chine beach which left Leila Crofts with life-threatening injuries.

She was taken to the paediatric intensive care unit at Southampton General Hospital following the incident, which took place in Pinecliff Road on Friday, July 26.

Adjourning the case for a pre-sentence report to be prepared, Judge Johnson said: “I regard this as a serious matter and you ought to be aware that custody is very much a possibility in this case.”

Benwell, from Crescent Road, Bournemouth, was also charged with the rare offence of causing grievous bodily harm by wanton and furious cycling, however this was dropped by the Crown in light of his guilty plea to the more serious offence.

Dorset Police said he had fled the scene of the collision, and they issued a witness appeal for him to come forward. He was arrested the next day after presenting himself at Bournemouth Police Station.

Leila’s parents Chanine Boulton and Darren Crofts remained at her bedside during her recovery and asked that she be in everyone’s thoughts and prayers. Ten days after the crash her condition was said to be improving.

Judge Johnson also agreed to partially lift reporting restrictions preventing the Daily Echo from identifying Leila as the victim, the prosecution having consulted her family.

Benwell was released on bail on condition that he remain at his home address, and the case was adjourned for sentencing until Thursday, December 19, when a victim impact statement will be presented to the court.