A man who caused a crash that killed a 10-year-old schoolgirl has been sentenced.

Lily Rose Morris, 10, died in hospital after she was hit by a red Land Rover Discovery, which was being driven by Mark Fensome, on Coleridge Road in Sholver in December 2021.

Police were called shortly after 5pm on Saturday, December 18 to reports of a crash involving two children.

Emergency services attended and Lily was taken to hospital where she died a short time later as a result of her injuries.

A second child involved in the crash was taken to hospital with an ankle and head injury.

The children were struck as they were walking on Coleridge Road. The car then ploughed into a lamppost.

Fensome, 43, appeared at Manchester Minshull Steet Crown Court today (Friday) after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

The court heard he was 1.5 times over the drink driving limit.

Fensome of Diggle Street, Shaw, was jailed for nine years and disqualified from driving for a total of 12 years and six months. 

Following her death, Lily’s family described her as a “beautiful and happy little girl".

Paying tribute, they said: "With a smile that could light up the world, Lily was a beautiful happy little girl, loved by everyone who knew her.

"Words cannot describe the hurt and pain we are feeling now our little princess has been taken from us.

"Lily can no longer continue to grow into the amazing and bubbly young lady that she was becoming - no longer able to be the caring big sister that she was.

"We are absolutely devastated over the loss of our Lily but we have been touched and overwhelmed by the support, kindness, and generosity of the community.

"We will all love you forever and be thinking of you always, our little poppet Lily."

Following the tragedy, a vigil was held for Lily at the Northgate pub on Sholver Lane.

Lily's family and school friends were among those in attendance.

Organiser of the vigil, Rachel Harper, and head teacher of Lily's school, Hodge Clough Primary School, Neil Cavanagh, spoke at the remembrance event before a two minute silence was observed while the candles burned.

People also left messages in books of condolences.

After the vigil, Rachel said: "I think the community needed to come together.

"It's important we show our support to Lily's family in the best way we can under the circumstances.

"I'm sure Lily will always be in our thoughts."