A VALLEYS man admitted a hit-and-run when he killed a young father out sledging with a friend.

Alwyn Smith, 35, of Rhoslan, Tredegar, changed his plea at the 11th hour yesterday, just as his trial was due to start at Abergavenny Magistrates Court.

He had already admitted two counts of causing death by driving while unlicensed and uninsured.

Anthony Farley, 19, of Broadmead Park, Newport, was hit by Smith's Peugeot 406 after sliding into the road while sledging in Chartist Way, Tredegar, on February 21.

Until his U-turn yesterday, Smith had denied an additional count of failing to stop at the scene of a collision, claiming he thought he hit a pot hole.

Mr Farley, who grew up in Bettws and had a one-year-old son Ieuan Meek, was out with childhood friend David Roberts, 24, when he was killed.

The pair were riding on plastic sheeting when they slid off the bank, known locally as Armoury Hill, and into the path of the car.

Mr Farley was pronounced dead at the scene while Mr Roberts suffered spine, shoulder and facial injuries in the crash.

The teenager, who had seven brothers and sisters, only left the family home in Bettws three weeks earlier to move in with his girlfriend Jade Meek and their son.

Chairman of the bench Donald Cecil criticised Smith for his late change of mind and for arriving late to court, which Smith blamed on the weather.

Mr Cecil said: "This is extremely disappointing the plea has been entered at such a late date, it's caused problems for the family involved - they've had extra stress. We're very disappointed with that."

Smith will be sentenced for failing to stop at the scene of a collision in Abergavenny Magistrates Court on December 30. Sentencing for the other two charges was adjourned until this matter was dealt with. For these charges, Smith will be sentenced in crown court, but a date is yet to be set.

He was granted unconditional bail.