A convicted speeder is now also a convicted killer after admitting causing the death of a Folkestone pensioner while driving at twice the speed limit.

Jakus Michalski was travelling at almost 60mph through Cheriton High Street - a 30mph zone - when he smashed his Proton Gen-2 into the driver's door of Brian Hawkes's classic 1970s Vauxhall Firenza.

Mr Hawkes, 82, died at the scene of the crash outside the One Stop on Saturday, August 1 last year.

Now, 31-year-old Michalski, of Cheriton Road, Folkestone, has admitted causing death by dangerous driving.

He also pleaded guilty to further charges of causing death while being unlicensed, banned or uninsured on the same day.

Edmund Fowler, prosecuting, told Canterbury Crown Court yesterday that at the time of the crash, Michalski was driving at more than 50mph in a 30mph limit. Police calculated his speed at between 59 and 64mph.

The court heard Michalski had a previous conviction for speeding.

"Had he not been travelling so fast, Mr Hawkes would not have been killed," Mr Fowler said.

Mr Hawkes, of Lawrence Close, was described by friends as "a lovely man and caring neighbour" with a passion for cars.

His Firenza was his pride and joy and following his death, friend David Showler, who had known Mr Hawkes for almost 50 years, said the only consolation was "that his lovely car went with him".

Mr Showler paid tribute to his "best mate" saying he was "a kind and considerate person who would do anything for anyone".

In the aftermath, flowers were left at the scene of the tragedy by distraught friends and neighbours.

As a young man, Mr Hawkes served in the Army in Egypt and Korea during the 1950s having been evacuated to Lyminge during the Second World War, and still often visited the village.

Michalski faces a prison term after pleading guilty. Judge Adele Williams adjourned sentence until April 22.

Additional reporting by Sian Napier