A Sittingbourne man has admitted causing the death of a cyclist by driving carelessly last year.

Victim Stephen Vanhinsbergh died from his injuries in August after being knocked from his bike on the A299.

Now Brian Walden, 39, from Newbridge Avenue has appeared at Canterbury Crown Court.

He pleaded not guilty to causing Mr Vanhinsbergh’s death by driving dangerously but admitted a lesser charge of death by careless driving.

But the Crown Prosecution Service ruled that he should face a trial on the more serious charge in October, which is expected to last four days.

Mr Vanhinsbergh, a 57 year old father, from Hibernia Street, Ramsgate died from his injuries in the collision with a lorry which happened at 11.50 am opposite the former Roman Galley Public House on the Thanet Way.

After the incident, the cyclist’s family paid tribute to their ‘beloved father, son, brother and friend’ and say he will be ‘missed beyond words’.

Mr Walden was released on bail until a pre-trial hearing in two weeks.