The family of a cyclist who was killed when he was hit by a tanker two years ago will have to wait another year for justice.

David Adlam, aged in his 60s and from Southborough, died on July 17 2018 after he was struck on the B2176 Penshurst Road, between Bidborough and Penshurst.

Nicholas Gray, 58, was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving but has denied the charge, admitting the lesser offence of driving carelessly.

The Crown Prosecution Service refused to accept the plea and he will now stand trial on October 11 2021 at the earliest, 39 months after the tragedy.

It is the latest in a long line of hefty delays brought on in part by coronavirus, with some trials at Maidstone Crown Court being scheduled for 2022.

In another case the family of a man seriously injured at a car auction in October 2018 will have to wait until January 2022 for a trial.

Gray, of Coopers Lane, Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells was bailed until next October.

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC explained to members of Mr Adlam's family the delay was because of the backlog of cases caused by Covid-19 pandemic and the fact that priority had to be given to cases where defendants are in custody.

He added that because of the nature of a case "a measure of priority" had been given to it but apologised that next October was the earliest date which the trial could be held.

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