A van driver has admitted his careless driving caused the death of a father-of-two in November last year.

Tihomir Todorov, 29, of Jacinth Drive, Sittingbourne, was driving his Ford Transit along the A2046 near Aylesham when it struck a Peugeot with Ken Milburn at the wheel.

Mr Milburn was on his way to work at a truck depot in Lydden at 7.30am on November 10 when he was killed in the crash which involved three vehicles.

Todorov has now pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.

Judge Michael O’Sullivan issued an interim order banning him from driving until the hearing when he will be formally disqualified.

Mr Milburn’s family sat with police officers in the public gallery at Canterbury Crown Court for the 15-minute hearing.

The judge was told that they had only found out about the hearing “at the very last minute” and had wanted to attend.

Judge Michael O’Sullivan said: “The fact the family were only told at the last minute is unacceptable.”

He added that in another similar case the victim’s family only discovered the sentence of a defendant when they heard it on the radio.

He ruled that Todorov should be sentenced on December 4 after the preparation of a probation report.

After the tragedy last year, a spokesman for Mr Milburn’s family had paid tribute to the 64 year old.

They said: “He was one of the best - a great dad, brother and grandad. He will be missed by so many.

“He was a family man who loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and was looking forward to his retirement next year.

“His funeral service was a tribute to how special he was and we would like to say a big thank you to all that attended.

We were overwhelmed by the number that paid their respects.”

Todorov was granted bail on condition he lives and sleeps at his Sittingbourne home each night until the sentencing and was then told by the judge: “The fact that I am granting you bail should not be taken as an indication that you will receive anything other than a custodial sentence.”