A man has pleaded guilty to killing a Norfolk woman and her three dogs in a crash on the Chelsea embankment.

Olivia Riley, from North Elmham, near Dereham, was walking her golden retrievers in west London when she was run over.

It is understood she was waiting at a traffic island on a pedestrian crossing in Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, when she was hit by Laszlo Dancs.

Dancs, 28, from Acton in west London, allegedly drove at speeds of more than three times the 20mph limit before losing control of the car, an Audi TT.

Officers and paramedics were called to the street at 6.21am on May 14, 2022.

Ms Riley, who was born in Suffolk, and her dogs were found dead at the scene, police said.

The death of the 41-year-old, who was the stepdaughter of best-selling author Lucinda Riley, brought shock and sadness to her small village community. 

Dancs had minor injuries and was arrested and taken into custody.

Today (May 23, 2023), Dancs pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey in London to causing Ms Riley’s death by dangerous driving.

He also pleaded guilty to drink and drug-driving but denied failing to provide a sample of breath when required.

Ms Riley’s family sat in court at the Old Bailey as Dancs, appeared for a plea and case management hearing.

Jeremy Dein KC, defending, told the court Dancs always intended to admit responsibility for what happened.

Judge Philip Katz KC set sentencing for July 28.

He ordered a pre-sentence report and banned Dancs from driving with immediate effect.

The judge granted Dancs continued conditional bail but told him the “chances are” he will be sent to prison.