The trial of an e-bike rider accused of killing a 91-year-old great-grandfather on the pavement outside his home will go ahead two years earlier than expected.
Former Royal Engineer James Blackwood was injured outside his home in City Way, Rochester, on the morning of July 6, 2023, when he was allegedly struck by the electric bicycle while putting the bins out.
Last month, cyclist Clifford Cage and the family of Mr Blackwood were told legal proceedings at Maidstone Crown Court would have to be delayed until August 2028 – more than five years after the fatal collision occurred – due to the current backlog in the criminal justice system.
The injured pensioner was taken to hospital but died three months later on October 13.
Cage, 50, of The Fairway, Rochester, was later charged with Mr Blackwood’s manslaughter, as well as causing him bodily harm by wanton or furious driving.
Appearing at the crown court on July 30, he learnt of the two-year wait for his trial, as did Mr Blackwood’s daughter, Christine White, who had also attended the hearing.
Speaking to KentOnline afterwards, she said: “It is an awful long time to wait with that hanging over both victims and accused. Whether Mum will be around to see justice done is another matter.”
At a further hearing today (August 21), it was revealed the trial could now go ahead in September next year.
But Judge Philip St.John-Stevens remarked that while that was “better”, it was still a “significant” time to wait for those involved.
“This is clearly a tragic case and I cannot imagine the impact this has had on everyone,” he said.
“In terms of the trial date, it is better in terms of sooner but I understand the impact on everyone that it is still a significant time ahead.
“I am sure those present in court will understand the pressures on this court to deal with defendants, particularly those in custody.”
Cage had been due to enter his pleas to the two offences he is accused of but arraignment was adjourned to allow the CPS time to consider a potential resolution of the case.
He was released on bail until his plea and trial preparation hearing on September 16.
At the previous hearing in July, the judge on that occasion had indicated that the ability to bring the trial date forward depended on moving another trial out of the list.
With as many as 77,000 crown court cases waiting to be heard in England and Wales, the two Kent crown courts alone are both reported to have caseloads above the national average, with Maidstone’s being 247% higher as of April this year and Canterbury’s at 102%.
Following his death, Mr Blackwood’s family paid tribute to the army veteran, describing him as an “old-fashioned gentleman” with a “brilliant sense of humour”.
