Gift will be tribute to tragic mother

A Mother's Day present intended for tragic hit-and-run victim Leanne Moore will remain in its wrapping unopened as a touching tribute to a much-loved daughter, her family said today.

Leanne Moore was knocked down in Cradley in the early hours of Mother's Day before getting the chance to unwrap the silver-grey teddy which had been bought for her by boyfriend Lee Willoughby.

The couple had a daughter, 10-month-old Sophie, and this was to be their first Mother's Day as parents. Leanne's father Martin said: "We are comforted in that at least she saw it. It was here in the house waiting for her to open on Sunday."

He said the family had decided to preserve the gift just as it is and give it to Sophie when she is old enough to understand its significance. Former Halesowen College student Leanne, of Cranmoor Crescent, Halesowen, was out with Lee and friends early on March 2 when she was struck by a car in Barrack Lane. She died later in hospital.

Her friends have now set up a trust fund for little Sophie and are busy organising a round of fundraising activities.

Mr Moore, aged 58, said he and wife Susan were extremely touched by the gesture.

"We had no idea they were doing this and we're more than grateful to them. It's a very generous and thoughtful thing to do, and it would be nice to think that it might benefit Sophie in later years.

A man appeared before Halesowen magistrates on Thursday of last week charged with causing the death of Leanne by dangerous driving. Paul Jones, aged 22, of Leonard Road, Wollaston, Stourbridge, was committed to Wolverhampton Crown Court.

He also faces charges of failing to stop following an accident.

And also failing to report an accident, driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Miss Moore worked as a cleaner at Windsor High School in Halesowen and the school is now considering dedicating a memorial in the tragic mother's honour.

Keith Sorrell, headteacher at the school in Richmond Street, has confirmed staff want to commemorate the life of their "gold-hearted"former colleague.