by Keith Hunt

A car driver has been cleared of causing the death of a motorcyclist in a tragic accident in Tenterden.

Allan Pilcher was turning into a garden centre on the B2080 on May 24 last year when he was in collision with a Honda being ridden by Paul Roberts.

Mr Pilcher, of Guldeford Cottage, East Guldeford, Rye, denied causing death by careless driving.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the 57-year-old was driving along Appledore Road with his wife in their Land Rover Discovery on a Sunday morning.

Denzil Pugh, prosecuting, said Mr Pilcher was turning right into the garden centre as a group of motorcylists led by Mr Roberts came along.

His machine went into the side of the car and he was to die from his injuries.

Mr Pugh alleged Mr Pilcher was careless by turning right in the way he did and his driving fell below standard.

Mr Roberts and his friends had stopped for breakfast and were taking a leisurely ride home to Sussex.

Mr Pugh said as Mr Pilcher turned right he became aware of the oncoming motorcylists and tried to speed up and get out of the way.

“The car was not very responsive to that,” he said. “It is a big heavy car. It all happened in a split second.”

The jury returned a not guilty verdict.