by Annette Wilson

A lorry driver has been jailed for 10 months after his moment's inattention left a Margate postman fatally injured.

Steven Hole, 45, appeared at Canterbury Crown Court where he was told by Judge Adele Williams she regarded the case as falling not far short of dangerous driving.

Hole, of Farm Avenue, Swanley had pleaded guilty to causing the death of Mick Garner by careless driving and was committed for sentence by Margate Magistrates.

Mr Garner was hit by Hole's 18 ton HGV as he cycled along Marine Terrace on hs regular route to work at 3.45am on May 14.

Hole did not see him until the very last minute when he swerved to avoid Mr Garner, but the lorry struck the bike, knocking Mr Garner to the floor where he suffered serious head injuries and died later in Margate Hospital.

John Bishop, for Hole, said he worked as a driver until losing his licence because of this accident.

He said his speed may have increased to 44 as he was trying to avoid the cyclist when he realised he was in front of him.

He said the part of the road at the accident scene was not far from the station roundabout and narrowed because of a pedestrian crossing and there was very little room for manouevre.

"There is no suggestion he had been drinking or was using his phone and was two hours into his shift, he regularly worked nights. He was looking to the right at the roundabout watching for any boy racers who may come round to speed off down the seafront and noticed a police car coming the other way."