HORRABRIDGE lorry driver John Noble was cleared last week by a jury of killing a cyclist by driving dangerously.

Christopher Dennehy died on the A38 outside Plymouth.

However Noble, 43, could still be jailed after he admitted the lesser charge of causing the death by careless driving.

Experts told the trial jury how Noble may only have had two seconds to react to Mr Dennehy’s presence when he collided with the cyclist from behind in his DAF goods vehicle near Lee Mill on September 5 last year.

The court heard that Noble had told a colleague that he had reached across his vehicle to play a sermon on his mobile phone immediately before the collision.

Noble chose not to give evidence himself, though the court heard his explanation given to police after the event, when he said that he must have drifted to his left — but largely chose not to answer questions during interview.

The jury took less than an hour to unanimously acquit Noble of the more serious charge.

Trial judge Recorder Donald Tait released Noble on bail pending probation reports, warning him that ‘all sentencing options’ remained open. He also warned of the need for drivers to be vigilant when seconds can make the difference between life and death.

Recorder Tait also praised the ‘quiet dignity’ of Mr Dennehy’s family; his mother was in the court throughout.

Sentencing is expected in October.