THE teenage driver in a road accident which killed a stalwart of the British cycling scene has pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.

Swanage-based Rob Jefferies died after being hit by the car, driven by 18-year-old Lee Cahill, as he cycled along the A351, near Wareham, in May.

Cahill, of Tamlin Street, Wareham, admitted the offence at Weymouth Magistrates Court.

The teenager had only passed his test four months prior to the fatal accident.

In a prepared statement to the court, Mr Jefferies’ widow Jane said: “I feel angry about a system that allows young drivers to take on responsibility for others’ lives that they are not ready for.

“I feel sorry for Lee that he has had to find out the hard way and have his life ruined as his actions have ruined ours.”

Mrs Jefferies described her husband as an “affectionate, lovely companion. A once in a lifetime perfect match.”

She also told the court of the impact the crash had on Rob’s daughter, Eve, 12, and 29-year-old stepson George.

Mr Jefferies, who was in his 40s, was a well-known figure on the British cycling scene. He helped establish the popular Wareham Forest Race and was a member of Poole Wheelers cycling club.

He had competed at high level in track and trial events, once out-sprinting cycling legends Chris Hoy and Bradley Wiggins.

Mr Jefferies had worked for British Cycling, firstly as a volunteer support officer, then as official education officer.

After news of his death was announced earlier this year, messages of condolences flooded in from around the world.

Mrs Jefferies’ solicitor Penny Knight said: “The real tragedy here is the sheer waste of life and what could have been.

“Not only losing the huge impact Rob had yet to make on his family but also his impact on so many others who he would have led and guided.

“It is also about the sad loss of a future for Mr Cahill. Here is a boy who as a man will forever recall what he did and what he took away.

“He has to live with that. If anything good comes from this we hope that his friends see what he has done and think twice when they falsely believe they are competent enough to drive recklessly.”

Cahill, who was disqualified from driving, will be sentenced in January.

A bicycle tribute to Rob Jefferies remains chained to a spot near the crash site.