A 66-year-old part-time concierge who caused the death of a motorcycling legend has escaped an immediate jail sentence.

Rider Paul Smart, 78, was killed on the A21 Lamberhurst bypass near Flimwell when his Ducati was struck by a car doing a U-turn.

Now motorist David Gladwell has been given an eight-month suspended sentence after admitting causing Mr Smart's death by careless driving.

His barrister, John Dye, told Maidstone Crown Court: "He made a monumental and catastrophic mistake."

Gladwell, who has lost 5st since the tragedy in October 2021, wrote a letter which was read to the judge.

He said he wanted Mr Smart's family to know "how deeply sorry" he was, adding that he didn't ask for forgiveness.

Mr Dye added that since the crash Gladwell hasn't driven - and "never wants to drive again".

"He is tortured by what happened that day,” he said. “He thinks about this every day and will never forgive himself."

Mr Smart, from Eynsford, near Dartford, was married to the sister of motorcycle star Barry Sheene and rode for Ducati.

He was regarded as among the best riders in Britain.

After Judge Philip Statman retired to consider the sentence, Mr Smart's son Scott wrote a second statement asking that Gladwell not be sent to prison.

Earlier in a victim impact statement, the son wrote: “Dad was the architect of our whole family.

“It was his hard work and racing success that gave us a great family to grow up in.

"Dad's experiences and career also directly inspired us, guiding my career in motorcycle racing.

“Dad spent every day with mum and they have spent many years travelling together."

He revealed his father was also a keen sailor, windsurfer, kayaker and cyclist and had just completed a motorcycle rally in Spain shortly before the accident.

Earlier, prosecutor Martin Yale told how at about 1.40pm Mr Smart was riding his bright red Ducati along the A21 as Gladwell was driving in his Ford Focus towards London.

“There is not one day which goes by where I do not re-live the collision...”

"He was heading towards some temporary traffic lights and the traffic had started to build.

“Gladwell decided he didn't want to join the queue and performed a U-turn, crossing the centre double white lines, and into the path of Mr Smart."

A witness later told police how Gladwell pulled out "and just went for it" not giving Mr Smart time to slow down, appearing to be "in a hurry and impatient".

Within 10 seconds of starting the manoeuvre, the accident happened and Mr Smart collided with the front near side of the Ford, said the prosecutor.

Mr Smart was thrown from his machine and died at the scene.

Gladwell later told police, in a prepared statement, that his vehicle's map was offering an alternative route.

He said there was a gap in the traffic and he decided to turn around after checking for oncoming traffic before moving out.

He added: "The collision was an extremely distressing experience. There is not one day which goes by where I do not re-live the collision."

Gladwell, of Acland Close, Plumstead, was given an eight-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work for the community.

He was also disqualified from driving for three years.