Alan Milbanke, 32, of North Tyneside admitted causing death by dangerous driving, when he apeared in court on Monday.

The family of victim Derek Davies, 68, said they hoped any jail term would act as a deterrent to other drivers.

Milbanke will return to Newcastle Crown Court on 6 August for sentencing.

It's a totally unnecessary death and has devastated so many peoples' lives Geoff Davies, victim's son

Judge Michael Cartlidge told Milbanke that it was "almost inevitable" that he would be jailed.

The victim's widow, Jill Davies, of Shotley Bridge, County Durham, said she had been told that her husband's death was the first in the country to be caused by someone using a mobile phone.

Milbanke was a delivery driver who had been heading back to his depot when the accident happened on the B6278 in Northumberland last April.

Mrs Davies said: "I hope that a custodial sentence will serve as a warning to other drivers.

"It might not stop everyone but it might make some think twice.

"My husband was a very careful driver and to just suddenly have him taken away is terrible, it's very hard to come to terms with."

Mr Davies's son Geoff, 44, added: "It's a totally unnecessary death and has devastated so many peoples' lives."