A BUILDER has admitted being behind the wheel in a hit-and-run crash which saw a pedestrian thrown into the air.

Adam McDermott confessed he was driving the Fiat 500 which smashed into 53-year-old Andrew Payne as he crossed the road.

Harrowing CCTV footage of the crash released by Sussex Police in an appeal for witnesses was viewed more than three million times online.

Mr Payne, 53, was rushed to hospital after the incident in Montague Place, Brighton, at about 3.40pm on January 14, last year and is still recovering. 

Adam McDermott, 32, of Vernon Terrace, Brighton, previously denied causing serious injury by dangerous driving and two counts of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

But when he arrived at court today to stand trial he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and one count of perverting the course of justice.

The second charge of perverting the course of justice was dropped. He also admitted failing to stop after the crash, driving without a licence or insurance which permitted him to use that car.

McDermott’s girlfriend Robyn Burns, 29, also of Vernon Terrace, Brighton, originally denied conspiracy to pervert the course of justice but also changed her plea yesterday to admit the crime.

McDermott was disqualified from driving a car and was remanded in custody until sentencing.

Burns was released on conditional bail.

Clark Walker, 31, of Ditchling Rise, Brighton, previously admitted conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

All three will be sentenced next month.