One moment of carelessness and Margate postman Mick was dead

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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A LORRY driver has admitted driving without due care or attention when he was involved in an accident which killed Margate postman Mick Garner.

Mr Garner, 61, died from his injuries after he was knocked off his bike in Marine Terrace, Margate at around 3.45am on Friday, May 14.

He had been cycling from his home in Birds Avenue, Garlinge, to the Margate sorting office.

Steven Hole, 45, from Swanley, appeared before Margate magistrates on Monday charged with careless driving.

They heard that Mr Hole recalled seeing a woolly hat at the last minute and had tried to swerve around it. But his Iveco Eurocargo lorry struck the rear of Mr Garner's bike, catapulting the postman through the air. He was rushed to Thanet hospital but died later that day.

Magistrates heard that Mr Hole told a police officer at the scene: "I just didn't see him, I tried to avoid him but I just hit him."

The court also heard tachograph readings recorded the lorry travelling at 34mph in a 30mph speed limit just before the accident.

Magistrates heard Mr Hole had been driving for 26 years with no accidents up until the fatal collision. He had also taken a break just before the accident.

Mr Hole was said to be devastated and wracked with remorse following the accident.

Holding his head in his hands and looking down for most of the hearing, Mr Hole spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

Following the accident, floral tributes lined a stretch of Margate seafront. Mr Garner had delivered mail in the town for 33 years and celebrated his 31st wedding anniversary to his wife Helen this year. His son John is also a postman.

Mr Hole will next appear at Canterbury Crown Court to be sentenced and a date for the hearing is yet to be scheduled.

He has been granted unconditional bail and received an interim driving ban.

[mandelsons_toenail]

sad times

My ex used to live in margate, know it well - even this dude i remember

rip postie

[Thunderthighs]

I've only ridden to work and back twice this year, and use the quietest lanes/roads/cycle track.

Lots of cycling mates have had "near misses", and some have been deliberately targeted by motorists, which resulted in court proceedings.

I've got 2 rear lights, 2 front lights - one is 900 Lumens, like a searchlight - and a helmet light, with reflective clothing too.
Even then, I don't take chances.

So sorry to hear of this case...

[Stormproof]

I don't know how the lorry driver did'nt see him as Marine Terrace is probably the straightest, clearest(of distractions) road in Margate especially that time of day. I worked at Margate DO for a while though I don't remember Mick.

[Thunderthighs]

Remember someone on TV saying he was next to a lorry, and the lorry driver was watching a movie on his laptop!
Also recall stories of Euro lorry drivers putting a brick on their accelerator, and reading a paper on their laps.
Just two possibly Urban Myths that point to lorry drivers not taking care...

At r/about near me recently, I've been in the r/hand lane to turn right, and had two different vehicles turn right at the VERY last second from the left hand lane.
No indication, nothing...