A New Cross man who was speeding in a high-powered Volkswagen Golf when he hit a pedestrian in Deptford has been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving.

John Mulligan, of Southerngate Way, was found guilty following a four-day trial at Woolwich Crown Court on September 22 of causing the death of Paul Weidlich.

At about 5.20am on June 4, Mulligan was driving a Volkswagen Golf TSI-R along Creek Road towards Deptford.

He stopped at traffic lights alongside a BMW - CCTV captured the two vehicles pulling away at speed.

As the two cars approached Creek Bridge, Mulligan pulled ahead but as he neared a hatched area containing traffic islands, he switched lanes.

Soctland Yard said his speed was in excess of 52mph, in a 30mph zone.

With his vision impaired, due to the incline of the bridge over Deptford Creek, Mulligan hit 54-year-old Mr Weidlich who was crossing the road.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended.

Mr Weidlich was taken to a south London hospital where he later died.

Mulligan stopped at the scene and was arrested.

The driver of the BMW did not stop. Despite extensive enquiries, they have not been traced.

At the start of his trial, Mulligan pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving, but this was rejected by the Crown.

The 33-year-old will be sentenced on Thursday, October 12.

Detective Sergeant Richard Budd, from the Met's roads and transport policing command, said: "Mulligan's speeding and dangerous driving caused the death of a man who was simply crossing a road.

"Throughout this investigation, Mulligan refused to accept that he was driving above the speed limit. Had this been the case, the outcome of his collision may have been different.

"This case highlights the need for motorists to behave appropriately and respect that improper driving can have serious consequences."