The mother of a girl killed by a hit-and-run driver with 89 previous convictions has spoken about how the affair has devastated her family.

Sharon Sawyer has described her agony as doctors at the hospital where she works battled in vain to save Rebecca, six.

Ian Carr was jailed for nine and a half years in January for causing the death of Rebecca in Ashington, Northumberland, on New Year's Eve.

In an open letter Mrs Sawyer tells of her hatred for Carr.

Carr was jailed for causing a road death in 1991

Rebecca's 18-month-old sister Kirsty is still being treated at Newcastle General Hospital for the injuries she suffered in the incident.

Mrs Sawyer said she wrote the letter from her surviving daughter's bedside.

In her letter, Mrs Sawyer, 33, says: "I hope Ian Carr rots in prison for what has happened to my family.

"This was no accident... it should not have happened in the first place if Carr had served his time in prison.

"My family have had no apologies or remorse shown to us by any of the people in that car.

"No-one should have to see their child die in front of them.

Sharon and husband Steven were also hurt

"They don't seem to care less that a child died and a baby is now disabled and on treatment for the rest of her life.

"My baby cries every day when she has to do her physiotherapy."

Carr had already been banned twice when he took control of the stolen car which killed Rebecca.

He had appeared before courts for sentencing 25 times - collecting a total of 10 years in custody.

He was given 12 months' youth custody after being found guilty of causing the death of another youngster in 1990.

Carr, then aged 15, fled the scene and asked others to lie for him.

Northumbria Police described Carr as a "menace to the motoring public".