A delivery driver wept in the dock as she appeared in court in connection with causing the death of a well-known clergyman more than two years ago.

Reverend Iain Taylor died after being hit by a van outside Canterbury West railway station in September 2021.

Rev Taylor, 79, who acted as his wife's carer, had been on his way to catch a train to Hastings for respite at a four-day Christian retreat when the tragedy happened.

The driver of the van, Kiran Kaur, was arrested at the time of the incident on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Kaur, 46, who had been employed as a delivery driver picking up Covid blood samples from a nearby centre at the time, was later charged with causing his death by careless driving.

Rev Taylor was apparently hit by the white Vauxhall Vivaro van which Kaur was driving as he walked to the station in Station Road West on September 28, 2021.

Passers-by rushed to his aid but despite efforts to save his life, he suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.

After his death, his devastated family and colleagues paid tribute to him and described him as "an amazing person" who was "loved by many for his kindness, compassion and wisdom".

He was well-known in the community, having lived in Canterbury all his life and having served for years as a minister of St Peter's Church.

He also spent more than 50 years working as a gentleman's outfitter at Deakin & Sons clothing stores, in both Canterbury and Ramsgate.

His niece, Liz Sharp, said at the time his family were "devastated at his untimely loss".

"He truly was an amazing person, much loved by all who knew him," she said.

Rev Taylor had been "very much looking forward to celebrating his 80th birthday", which would have taken place in December of that year.

His sudden death had been particularly devastating for his wife of 51 years, Doris, who has dementia. Rev Taylor had been her sole carer at their home in The Causeway.

Mrs Sharp describes her uncle and aunt as having been "a devoted couple".

While never having children of their own, over the years they took in several university students as lodgers, who came to look upon them as "surrogate parents"

Kaur of Wentworth Crescent, Hayes, Greater London, appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday and the case against her was sent to Canterbury Crown Court to be dealt with.

Kaur, who cried in the dock after the charges were read out to her, didn’t enter any plea in relation to the charge.

She was granted bail until her next appearance, which will be a preliminary hearing on December 18.