A suicidal mother who killed Finlay Woods after driving her 4x4 car onto a pavement outside a school has pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

Katie Gutierrez-Perez, 40, smashed into the 15-month-old toddler and crushed him against a pillar outside Selwyn Primary School, Highams Park, knocking his mother Tina out of the way on September 18.

Horrified parents and residents rushed to free the toddler as his mother, grandmother Linda and brother Harvey looked on.

He was airlifted to Whipps Cross University Hospital but doctors were unable to save his life.

Cafe owner, Gutierrez-Perez wept as she entered her plea at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday (December 2) and was warned she faced a long spell in jail.

Appearing via a video link because of fears for her safety she sobbed and struggled to say “guilty”, in response to the charges of causing Finlay’s death and driving without insurance.

Judge Timothy King said: “This is a very serious matter. A custodial sentence and a substantial custodial sentence is inevitable. I am sure that from the perspective of the young victim's family, no sentence will be enough.”

Gutierrez-Perez's lawyer Sue Rodham asked for reports on her client to be made, saying that her client had tried to commit suicide in the past and had a history of depression.

Outside the court, Finlay’s father Roger Woods, 32, a data engineer, said his son’s killer was a “weak individual”

He said: “We are really pleased that the judge said she would get a long custodial sentence. Good for him, I say. At least he’s a strong judge.”

Mrs Woods, 31, added: “Whatever she gets though – ten years or 50 years – it will never bring Finlay back or make us feel any better. But at least it will keep her off the streets.”

But she doubted Gutierrez-Perez was feeling suicidal at the time of the crash, adding: “If she was contemplating suicide and was that distraught why would you bother about getting in your car?”

She told how the couple and their children Harvey, 4, Dillon, 5 and Livvy, 7, were still struggling to cope with Finlay's death.

She said: “We are just taking each day as it comes. I just live for the children otherwise I wouldn't get up in the morning. Harvey witnessed it and he’s struggling because he has flashbacks and episodes of rage.”

Gutierrez-Perez, of Selwyn Avenue, Highams Park, was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on January 7.

Finlay’s death united the whole community in shock and sadness.

His funeral brought Highams Park to a standstill as people spilled out of homes and businesses to stand in the street and pay their respects.