A grandfather killed as he crossed the road was a London terror attack hero, it has been revealed.

In June 2017, brave Stephen Hilder - known as Sevvy - was returning from a trip to the Derby with his son Martin, when they went into London for a drink just as terrorists struck London Bridge.

The 70-year-old former milkman saw a woman bleeding across the road and rushed to help her - defying shouts to flee the area.

His other son Daniel told Maidstone Crown Court the father-of-two stayed with the victim until paramedics arrived.

He said: "Not even the threat to his own life would stand between him and his ability to offer help to those who needed it."

Mr Hilder - a keen charity marathon runner - died as he crossed Chapman Way, Tunbridge Wells, on January 4, 2019.

He was struck by the driver of a Land Rover Freelander driven by Hermes worker David Smith, who had "cut the corner".

Smith, of Henwoods Mount, Pembury, was given a suspended jail sentence after admitting his careless driving caused the fatal incident. A jury acquitted him on a more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

The incident was captured on CCTV which showed Smith's vehicle turning from North Farm Road into Chapman Way before attempting another right into a service road leading to the Hermes depot.

But he failed to see Mr Hilder as he stood in the middle of the road for a couple of seconds ensuring it was safe to proceed.

Judge David Griffith-Jones said: "On any view, what happened on January 4 was an absolute tragedy.

"You did not see Mr Hilder until it was too late and you ran into him and as a result of your carelessness, Mr Hilder has paid the ultimate price.

"He lost his life and those close to him have had him suddenly and brutally removed from their lives.

"His son's statement was measured but harrowing and gave vivid insights into Mr Hilder's character."

Prior to the incident, Smith had a 36-year unblemished driving record but "on this occasion his standards fell to the perils of human frailty". He had offered his sincere apologies to Mr Hilder's family

The 56-year-old was given a 12-month jail sentence suspended for two years and ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work for the community.

The judge also ordered him to remain at his home between 8pm and 7am for the next three months and pay £500 court costs.

He was also disqualified from driving for 18 months.

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