A man has admitted killing a north-east dad by driving carelessly on one of Aberdeen’s busiest roads.
Cyclist Neil Jaffrey died from serious head injuries after he was struck by Stephen Cocker’s silver BMW and catapulted across the road.
The father-of three had been riding his bike along North Anderson Drive when he was hit by Cocker, who lost control of his car while overtaking a bus on September 7, 2014.
Now 18 months later Cocker, 51, had admitted causing Mr Jaffrey’s death by driving without due care and attention.
At Aberdeen Sheriff Court, he admitted accelerating before pulling out to pass the bus before losing control of the vehicle, causing him to mount the central reservation.
His car then travelled diagonally across the northbound carriageway and collided with Mr Jaffrey.
Court papers state that as a result of the crash the cyclist was “thrown into the air” before he landed on the road, suffering “significant” head injuries.
Sheriff William Summers deferred sentence against Cocker, of 164 Cummings Park Circle, Aberdeen, for background reports. He will return to court next month.
Following the tragedy, Mr Jaffrey was described as “the most genuine guy you could meet”.
The 32-year-old was originally from Insch, but worked for Baker Oil Tools in the city. He had recently completed a degree in mechanical engineering.
Mr Jaffrey was not only a keen cyclist but a popular figure on the running scene, competing in events around the north-east.
He represented Metro Aberdeen Running Club after moving to the city from Aberdeenshire.