A lorry driver has been cleared of causing a man’s death by driving his truck dangerously.

The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case against Lorand Collins from West Malling, just minutes after a trial was expected to begin at Maidstone Crown Court.

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC formally returned a verdict of not guilty to death by dangerous driving.

The 67-year-old from Woodland Close had earlier admitted the lesser charge of causing the death of Jason Ford by driving carelessly on the A228 in April last year.

Collins will now be sentenced next month after the judge receives a probation report into the life of the professional Volvo HGV driver.

The judge heard that after discussion between police experts and the victim’s family, the Crown Prosecution Service has accepted the guilty plea to the lesser charge

Charles Evans, prosecuting, said: “In all the circumstances in this difficult case, the Crown has come to the conclusion it would be difficult to satisfy a jury that the quality of driving was such that they could be sure it was dangerous.”

Judge Griffith-Jones said: “This seems to me to be an appropriate course in all of the circumstances and the decision taken is in the interests of public justice.”

Mr Ford died after he was hit by a Volvo HGV with an articulated trailer on the A228 in West Malling.

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