A motorist has admitted killing a cyclist, taking part in a time trial, by driving carelessly.

But 20 year old Ayasha Penfold has denied she drove her Mercedes dangerously when she overtook two vehicles on the A2070 in May last year.

Victim John Durey, 69, from Lenham died later from his injuries days after the head-on collision, a jury at Canterbury Crown Court has heard.

Prosecutor Ahmed Hossain has alleged Penfold’s driving had fallen far below that expected of a competent driver before her car was involved in the head on collision.

The cyclist was taking part in the organised event at 7.21 pm in good weather on the long stretch of the road at Kingsnorth near Ashford.

The prosecutor has claimed that Mr Durey, who was travelling at 22 mph, in the correct lane would have been visible to the driver for at least 45 seconds prior to the crash.

“She was driving in the opposite direction when her vehicle struck Mr Durey head on causing him severe injuries which resulted in his death on June 5 last year.

“The road was clear. There was good visibility and it was a straight passage of road.”

He said one of the other cyclists who was travelling in the same direction as Mr Dury told how Penfold’s car moved into opposite carriageway.

“It is the prosecution case she was driving dangerously and the motorist said she didn’t feel it was safe when Penfold overtook her car and an HGV.”

Mr Hossain said that Penfold, who lives in Brenzett, had been driving within the 60 mph restriction but the overtaking had been “a dangerous manoeuvre”.

The trial, which is expected to last three days, continues.