A lorry driver who caused the death of a Tonbridge man while he was carrying out road repairs has been spared jail.

Dale Pentney had been working as a contractor for the Highways Agency, doing maintenance work on the A21 Sevenoaks bypass when he was crushed in January last year.

The 20-year-old of Lavender Hill died from head injuries.

At Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court, Anthony Smith admitted causing his death by driving a Mercedes HGV without due care and attention.

It is understood he left the handbrake off his lorry, which rolled into Mr Pentney.

He also pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act by failing in his duty to take reasonable care of his co-worker.

The 48-year-old from Porthcawl in South Wales was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for a year, and has been disqualified from driving for a year.

He must also be under supervision for 12 months, carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £165 in court costs.