A 70-year-old Maidstone man accused of causing an accident in which left a railway signalman seriously injured has died just before his trial was due to start.

Rodney Spicer of College Avenue was due in court charged with driving without due care and attention, following an accident on East Farleigh level crossing in April.

Spicer was due to appear for trial at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court tomorrow, but his family confirmed he passed away on Sunday, November 29. His cause of death is unknown.

Network Rail signalman Doug Caddell, 62, from Hawkinge, was closing the gates to approaching trains when a car hit the gate.

The impact knocked him off his feet and left him seriously injured with a head wound and a fractured vertebrae.

Watch: The moment Mr Caddell is struck by the level crossing gate

Speaking to KentOnline in June, Mr Caddell said he could not remember being struck by the gate.

Spicer denied the charges when he appeared at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court in October.

Following the incident temporary traffic lights were put in place by Network Rail.

Mr Spicer's family paid tribute to the much-loved dad, grandad and father-in-law and said he would be greatly missed.