A lorry driver accused of causing the death of a cyclist by careless driving has said he is “deeply sorry” for the crash.

Charles Wilkinson gave evidence on Tuesday and said the cyclist, Andrew Down, was not visible until the instant before impact because of blind spots on his vehicle.

Retired Essex police chief inspector Andrew Down, who lived in Felixstowe, died from his injuries after a crash on the roundabout just off the A14 at Trimley St Martin on November 26 2020.

Wilkinson, of Queens Road, Felixstowe, has denied causing Mr Down’s death by careless driving.

Defence barrister Ian Bridge questioned Wilkinson and asked him if he had anything to say to Mr Down’s family who were sitting in the public gallery.

Wilkinson, 36, said: “I’m deeply sorry for what happened. As I was driving correctly the only sense I can make of it is it’s a one in a million accident."

The defendant told the court he had “most certainly” looked around in the mirrors but added blind spots can never be entirely removed.

He said: “It’s almost impossible to move a lorry without taking some risks of blind spots otherwise you just couldn’t possibly move."

Mr Bridge asked Wilkinson to explain how he did not see Mr Down.

Wilkson replied: “From the synchronisation of both of our movements he just remained hidden the entire time. If he was clear to see I’m certain I would have see him.

"He appeared in front of the cab through the front of the windscreen and that’s when I broke. It was an unavoidable collision."

The court heard dashcam footage from the lorry had revealed Wilkinson had safely and carefully gone over 11 roundabouts earlier on the day of the crash, including the roundabout where Mr Down was fatally injured.