A woman has denied responsibility for the death of a well-known clergyman in Canterbury.

Courier Kiran Kaur, 46, appeared at the city's crown court today where, with the assistance of a Punjabi interpreter, she pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Reverend Iain Taylor by careless driving.

The 79-year-old died after being hit by a van outside Canterbury West railway station on September 28, 2021.

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

Magistrates heard last month that Kaur's Vauxhall Vivaro delivery van collided with the pensioner while she was employed to collect blood samples during the pandemic.

Despite efforts to save his life, Rev Taylor died at the scene.

His family and colleagues later paid tribute to him, describing him as a “true gentleman” who was “loved by many for his kindness, compassion and wisdom".

Kaur, of Wentworth Crescent, Hayes in Middlesex, was arrested at the time of the incident and, having denied the offence, was told by Judge Simon Taylor KC that her trial will start on May 20 and last five to six days.

She was released on unconditional bail but will have to return to the same court for a further case management hearing on March 15.

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.

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