A PENSIONER has admitted he failed to see a cyclist he is alleged to have killed by dangerous driving.

Ronald Addy, 82, a retired accountant, was giving evidence in the second day of his trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Mr Addy's VW Polo car struck hospital pathologist Dr Ceri Williams as he cycled on the B6279 Staindrop Road, near Darlington, on April 3 last year.

The prosecution said Mr Addy suffered from severe tunnel vision and should not have been behind the wheel.

Yesterday, Mr Addy, of Murray Walk, Darlington, was shown pictures of the road where the crash took place by Jamie Hill, prosecuting, who said that Dr Williams was wearing very bright clothing, including a yellow fluorescent jacket.

Mr Hill said: "You could not fail to see him, unless you had tunnel vision."

Mr Addy replied: "I take your point, but all I know is that I did not see him."

PC Dale Cowie, of the Durham police accident investigation unit, said both the car and the bicycle had been examined and no defects were found that could have contributed to the crash.

It has been accepted that Mr Addy, who denies death by dangerous driving, was not exceeding the 60mph speed limit.

Dr Williams, who suffered severe head injuries in the crash, was conscious at the scene.

However, he slipped into a coma and died in hospital several days later.