The jury in the trial of a man accused of causing the death of a cyclist in Ipswich by dangerous driving is expected to retire to consider its verdict on Wednesday.

Before Ipswich Crown Court is James Ashman, 29, of Lower Harlings, Shotley Gate.

He has denied causing the death of cyclist Benjamin Wright, 35, by dangerous driving.

Mr Wright died at the scene of a crash in Vernon Street just before 10pm on October 13, 2022.

It is  alleged that at the time of the collision Ashman was driving an Audi between 50 and 60mph in a 30mph limit and he has accepted this was the case.

The court heard that at the time of the crash, Ashman had been speaking to his girlfriend via a hands-free call.

After the crash, he took a rucksack from the boot of the car and left the scene, going to his girlfriend's address nearby.

Benjamin Wright died at the sceneBenjamin Wright died at the scene (Image: Suffolk police)

When he arrived, he told her he had been in a crash and she advised him to return to the scene. 

He left and was seen running along Wherstead Road, where he flagged down a cyclist and offered him £40 for his bicycle, which the man accepted.

Ashman then went to the nearby Premier Shop, where he told the owner, who was known to him, that his car had been stolen at knifepoint and asked for a lift to Chelmondiston.

Police discovered Ashman later that night hiding behind a shed at a friend’s address in the village. 

He had changed his clothes and the clothes he had been wearing at the time of the collision were later discovered in a bag in a garage at the property.

Giving evidence, Ashman told the court: “I’m so sorry. I should’ve stayed at the scene, but I didn’t and I can’t change it.”

“If I could go back and change things I would. I was terrified and scared. I was in a sheer state of fear. I just wish I could’ve seen him."

The jury is expected to retire to consider its verdict on Wednesday.