The man accused of causing the death of a cyclist in Ipswich by dangerous driving has said he is sorry and wishes he could take back his actions.

James Ashman, 29, of Lower Harlings, Shotley Gate, has denied causing the death of cyclist Benjamin Wright, 35, by dangerous driving.

Mr Wright died at the scene of a crash in Vernon Street just before 10pm on October 13, 2022.

In a trial at Ipswich Crown Court, the prosecution previously said Ashman was driving an Audi between 50 and 60mph in a 30mph zone, and the defendant has accepted this was the case.

Benjamin Wright, 35, died at the scene of the crashBenjamin Wright, 35, died at the scene of the crash (Image: Suffolk Police)

Under cross-examination by prosecutor Barnaby Shaw on Friday, Ashman said: “I’m so sorry. I should’ve stayed at the scene, but I didn’t and I can’t change it.”

“If I could go back and change things I would. I was terrified and scared.

“I was in a sheer state of fear. I just wish I could’ve seen him."

Mr Shaw questioned why the defendant had changed his clothes after the event and said: “You were trying to put as much distance between yourself and the act, weren’t you?”

Ashman admitted he was.

When asked why he fled to a friend’s house and hid in a shed before his arrest, Ashman said: “I don’t know - he was just a friend to feel safe with. I honestly don’t know.”

The defendant said he knew he was going over the speed limit but said he did not realise how far over the speed limit he was going, although he accepted the prosecution’s assertion that he was going almost 60mph.

Ashman has not accepted he was driving dangerously and said instead that he was driving carelessly.

The trial is expected to continue on Monday with the closing speeches to be made.