A man accused of causing the death of a motorcyclist on the A14 has asked the victim's family to accept his 'deep apologies'.

Sergejs Baikovs, of Tattersall Road, Boston, denies causing the death of Maurice Brame, of Tostock, near Bury St Edmunds, by careless or inconsiderate driving following a collision between his lorry and Mr Brame’s motorcycle on the A14 between Sproughton and the Copdock interchange in 2022.

On Friday at Ipswich Crown Court, Baikovs said he did not understand what had happened at the time of the incident, and, until he saw the motorcycle and Mr Brame's body in the road, he believed he had hit an animal or there had been a malfunction in his vehicle. 

The 34-year-old said he had seen a 'black object' in the road, but he was confused by vibrations, jolting and lights coming from within the cab.

It is understood that the lorry's emergency breaking system had been activated at the time.

In evidence before the court he said: "At that particular moment I simply couldn't understand what was happening at all." 

Baikovs also addressed Mr Brame's family, who were present in court, and said: "I would kindly ask you to accept my deep apologies for this tragedy.

"I understand that nothing can bring you back your husband, your father. 

"I never could forsee or expect that anything like this could happen. I do sincerely apologise for what happened."

Baikovs was originally charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving but, on Friday, Judge Emma Peters directed the jury to find him not guilty of death by dangerous driving due to insufficient evidence. 

He continues to deny death by careless or inconsiderate driving. 

In previous hearings the court was told Baikovs was not speeding at the time of the incident, was not using his mobile phone and was not under the influence of drink or drugs.

On Thursday, the court heard Mr Brame had an undiagnosed cardiovascular condition, which meant that he would have been “susceptible to sudden death at any time”.

Data collected from the Volvo lorry’s collision prevention system showed that Mr Brame’s motorbike had slowed from 25mph to 14mph at the moment it was struck, and was being driven in second gear.

The trial continues on Monday.