A MAN has pleaded guilty today to causing the death of five-year-old Charlie Harris by dangerous driving.

David Mear, 19, of Fremantle Road, High Wycombe, appeared this morning at Aylesbury Crown Court.

The court heard Mear had been doing 47mph in a 30 mph zone last September when he knocked down Charlie as he walked home from Great Kingshill Church of England School with his mother.

The teenager had been travelling over the speed limit on Cockpit Lane a mile and a half from the school, the court heard.

Michael Shaw, for the defence, asked Judge Seddon Cripps to release Mear on bail until his next hearing, saying he was "a man of good character."

The teenager has been on unconditional bail since his last court appearance in December 2007.

But the judge refused and remanded him in custody.

Mear will appear again for sentencing on Friday April 4.