E-bike rider admits killing grandfather

James Blackwood died three months after being hit by an electric bike

A grieving daughter said she was "extremely relieved" the man accused of killing her father has changed his plea to guilty.

Clifford Cage, 50, of The Fairway in Rochester, admitted the manslaughter of 91-year-old veteran Jim Blackwood at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday.

Mr Blackwood died from internal injuries three months after being knocked down by Cage's e-bike while taking his recycling out in Rochester, Kent, in July 2023.

His daughter, Christine White, said she had been "dreading having to re-live the morning of the accident from the witness box".

Ms White previously told the BBC that Cage's trial was not due to be held until 2028 because of court backlogs.

His sentencing is scheduled for 12 January 2026.

"I'm very much hoping that everything will be concluded by the end of January, and our family can begin the healing process," Ms White said.

"Instead of having to keep reliving how Dad died, we can finally move on and remember him for the lovely man he was: A cherished husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather."

She said she hoped the case would illustrate "the need for those cyclists who show scant regard for the rules of the road to think again".