THE parents of talented York angler Ben Coulson have spoken of their relief after a motorist pleaded guilty to causing his death through dangerous driving.

Ben's mother, Elaine Hawley, said she was pleased she would not have to go through the "horrors" of sitting through a full trial.

She also said she hoped justice would be done, and that the driver, Joseph Thomas Richardson, 52, of Middleton Road, Acomb, York, would be given a custodial sentence.

Ben's father, Ron, said he was also relieved by Richardson's guilty plea, saying the prospect of attending court had left him in despair and he had decided it would be too much to cope with.

"I have lost my only son and will have to live with my memories of our fishing outings for the rest of my life," he said.

Asked what sentence he would like to see imposed, he said: "No matter what happens, it won't bring my only son back."

Richardson had been due to stand trial at York Crown Court yesterday, having denied the offence at a hearing last year, but changed his plea to guilty.

No details of the offence were given to the court, and the case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports to be prepared, with Richardson due to be sentenced on June 20.

Ben, 27, of Foxwood, died in March last year after being knocked down by a car as he was crossing Green Lane, Acomb.

He was a dedicated angler, having been taught by his father.

He achieved a string of top honours over the years, and was picked for the England under-21 squad at the age of only 15. He swept junior opposition aside, becoming the youngest ever winner of the Series Six League.

At his funeral in Copmanthorpe, Ben's coffin had a rod and line mounted to the top, and the Reverend Maurice Staton said: "Fishing was his life - there is no doubt about that."

He said the packed congregation at the funeral was a tribute to Ben's caring personality, saying: "Ben had a great sense of humour, a great sense of fun. He had a great enthusiasm and zeal for life. He was full of adventure and had a caring heart."

Updated: 10:37 Tuesday, May 17, 2005