A motorcyclist was killed in a horror accident after smashing into a car that failed to give way at a junction, a court heard.

Victim Lloyd Haines, 22, was speeding when he hit his brakes as he saw the Ford Focus C-Max driven by Michael Jones ahead of him .

A driver behind Jones saw smoke coming from the Yamaha motorcycle’s tyres and the back of the machine lifting before it slammed into the side of the car.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that Jones, 55, was going to his ex-wife’s home and was not sure which turning to take.

Robin Johnson, prosecuting, said Jones was moving to the central part of the road at the junction of Watling Street and Elaine Avenue in Strood on June 3 last year.

He then apparently changed his mind and moved back. The driver behind became concerned. He saw Mr Haines riding along Watling Street towards them.

To the other driver’s horror, he saw Jones turn into the path of the motorcycle, which had right of way, said Mr Johnson.

Mr Haines, who was living in Rochester High Street with his fiancee, was killed instantly.

The prosecutor said it was not suggested Jones was speeding, but Mr Haines was travelling at not less than 60mph in a residential 40mph limit.

Jones, of Ash Road, Dartford, said at the time that he did not see the motorcycle coming in the other direction.

He denies causing death by dangerous driving. The trial continues.