A Brighton man has admitted killing a Hove pensioner in a crash while high on cocaine and amphetamine.
But Adrian Fasan has denied causing death by dangerous driving and faces a trial by jury early next year.
The sentence for both offences is the same, with a maximum jail term of 14 years and an unlimited fine and driving ban.
But now the family of 85-year-old Hove grandmother Catherine Akehurst must wait until February for justice, prolonging their grief.
Fasan, 39, of Loder Road, Brighton, appeared at Hove Crown Court on Thursday (23 August) before Judge Christine Laing.
He pleaded guilty to causing Mrs Akehurst’s death by driving while over the limit for cocaine and amphetamine.
But he is due to stand trial for causing her death by dangerous driving, with the trial scheduled to start on Monday 11 February.
Fasan also admitted having almost a gram of cocaine with him when he was arrested on Saturday 2 September last year.
Mrs Akehurst, of Lullington Avenue, Hove, died after being hit by Fasan’s Toyota Celica as she crossed Old Shoreham Road, yards from her home, on Saturday 2 September last year.
