A confused driver caused a fatal accident when he travelled the wrong way along a dual carriageway near Bluewater, a court heard.

Eric Haylett, 75, died at the scene after Kevin Franklin's Jeep crashed into his City Rover on New Year's Day last year.

Martin Yale, prosecuting, said it was the Crown's case that 51-year-old Franklin fell far below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver.

Mr Haylett, from the Longfield area, had been visiting his daughter and was returning home at about 10.30pm.

His journey took him along St Clements Way on the B255 dual carriageway.

Mr Yale told Maidstone Crown Court Franklin had been to the cinema at Bluewater with his family.

One of his daughters was also there with her boyfriend, who lost his car key. Franklin went to get his car, while the others went to see if they could help over the lost key.

As he tried to drive from one car park to another, he ended up on Bean Lane, said the prosecutor. He crossed over to the wrong side of a traffic island and carried on in the wrong direction.

Mr Yale said Franklin made a right turn onto the B255 St Clements Way in a northbound direction on the southbound carriageway directly towards Mr Haylett.

An off-duty police officer driving home from work heard a crunch and saw smoke. He went to Mr Haylett's car and found him slumped in the driving seat and showing no signs of life.

Franklin was taken to Darent Valley Hospital with a suspected broken wrist and chest pains.

He told police he thought he was travelling in the correct carriageway. He later said he believed he had turned onto a slip road that would lead him back to Bluewater.

Franklin added he did not realise he was on the incorrect side of the dual carriageway. Headlights appeared, he said, and there was no time to avoid the other car.

Franklin, of Manor Way, Bexleyheath, denies causing death by dangerous driving, but admits causing death by careless driving.

The trial continues.