A courier collecting blood has admitted killing an elderly priest on his way to a religious retreat while driving carelessly.

Kiran Kaur, 46, appeared before Canterbury Crown Court today (July 22) after fatally hitting Reverend Iain Taylor outside Canterbury West railway station on September 28, 2021.

The 79-year-old, who was well-known in the city where he delivered sermons, died at the scene after the delivery van Kaur was driving crashed into him.

At her last court appearance in December, Kaur denied the charge.

But fighting back tears in the dock today, on what was to be the first day of her trial, she entered a guilty plea to causing Rev Taylor’s death by careless driving.

Magistrates heard in November how Kaur's Vauxhall Vivaro collided with the pensioner while she was employed to collect blood samples during the pandemic.

Rev Taylor, who acted as his wife's carer, was reportedly on his way to catch a train to Hastings for respite at a four-day Christian retreat when the tragedy occurred.

Despite efforts to save his life, Rev Taylor died at the scene and Kaur, of Wentworth Crescent, Hayes, was arrested.

Rev Taylor had lived in Canterbury all his life and served for years as a minister of St Peter's Church.

He also worked as a gentleman's outfitter at Deakin & Sons clothing stores in Canterbury and Ramsgate.

Many of the clergyman’s family and colleagues attended Monday’s hearing.

Rev Taylor’s loved ones previously described him as a “true gentleman” who was “loved by many for his kindness, compassion and wisdom".

He and his wife of 51 years, Doris, lived in The Causeway, and were said to be "a devoted couple".

Concluding the hearing on Monday, Judge Mark Weekes said: “The death of Rev Taylor was something that caused his family a great deal of suffering and I am greatly sorry to have read about it.

“I can only address the hope that today and the sentencing hearing to come will at least mark the end of a chapter in their lives and everyone can hopefully move on.”

Following the hearing on Monday Kaur was released on unconditional court bail but given an interim driving ban to last until her sentencing hearing, scheduled for September 20.