A 93-YEAR-OLD has admitted causing the crash that killed a Hampshire man on the first day of his retirement.

Alfred Ross, who had an unblemished record in more than 75 years on the roads, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving by pulling out in front of biker Jeffrey Bennett as he rode through the New Forest.

The pensioner has been told that he is likely to receive only a community order for the offence, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Magistrates heard how Ross had a “momentary lapse of concentration”

when turning out of Sway Road on to the A337 near Brockenhurst.

Mr Bennett, 65, of Stanley Road, Lymington, died from injuries sustained during the crash close to the Filly Inn on October 8 last year. He had retired from work the previous day.

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Prosecuting at New Forest Magistrates’ Court in Lyndhurst, Ruth Bowskill said that Mr Bennett had overtaken a tanker in the moments before the tragedy.

She added: “There was no suggestion that Mr Bennett was driving above the speed limit or in any way that would have contributed to this collision.”

The court was told how Ross had an unblemished driving record since he started to drive in 1930.

Paul Butler, defending, said: “In all that time he has never had an accident involving anyone else and he’s now 93. He accepts that we all make mistakes and the results are tragic consequences.”

After the incident, Mr Bennett’s family issued a touching statement telling of their sorrow at his loss.

They said: “On the day he died, Jeff was one day into his retirement, something he would have loved and enjoyed to the full. A bit like his life, not a second wasted.

“He loved his family, the place he lived and what it gave to him – the landscape, the beauty, the wildlife, sunny days and his bike.

“He always loved the finer things in life and made sure he enjoyed them. He will be enormously missed by all who loved him.”

The guilty plea comes just a month after pensioner Ann Larke was jailed for two years for causing the death by careless driving of motorcyclist Terry Stubbs and his 11-year-old pillion passenger Channon Kevern.

Southampton Crown Court was told that Larke had performed a U-turn on the A326 near Hardley roundabout moments before the fatal collision in August last year.

Ross, of Sandy Down, Boldre, was barred from driving until his sentencing on April 2.