A jury has retired to consider its verdict in the trial of a Shotley motorist accused of causing the death of an Ipswich dad. 

James Ashman, 29, of Lower Harlings, Shotley Gate, has denied causing the death of cyclist Benjamin Wright by dangerous driving.

Emergency services were called to the scene of a crash in Vernon Street, Ipswich, just before 10pm on October 13, 2022. Mr Wright, who was 35 and the father of teenaged twins, died after being struck by Ashman’s Audi.

During the course of his trial at Ipswich Crown Court, it was heard that Ashman was driving at around twice the speed limit of 30 miles per hour when the crash occurred.

Benjamin Wright, 35, was a father to twins. Benjamin Wright, 35, was a father to twins. (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)

The prosecution gave evidence that he was driving between 50 and 60 miles per hour along Vernon Street, with Ashman having accepted that this was the case.

However, he has denied driving dangerously, instead saying that he was driving carelessly.

Mr Wright, a cyclist, and two other people were crossing the road just after the junction with Little Whip Street and were entering the pavement, with Mr Wright at the rear, when the crash happened, the court heard.

The defence has said that Mr Wright was wearing dark clothing with no reflectors, and that his bicycle did not have a light.

After the crash, Ashman fled the scene to Chelmondiston where he was found by police hiding in a shed.

He said in evidence that he was in “utter shock” and described the incident as a “tragic accident”.

On Wednesday afternoon, the jury retired to consider their verdict.