A MAN who struck Deliveroo cyclist in Reading leading to his death told police he could ‘not recall’ his exact speed at the time of the incident.

Joshua Julian, 27, of Skinner Driver, Wokingham, has pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Tomaz Krohme, 35, on June 10, 2020. He has been charged with drug driving.

The incident happened at the junction of Addington Road and Alexander Road at about 7.25pm. Mr Krohme was ‘thrown’ off his bike and into a tree.

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A trial has started at Reading Crown Court this week on Tuesday (May 9) where the jury heard two statements Julian made to police claiming he could ‘not recall his exact speed but he does not believe his driving was ‘careless’.

In a prepared statement made at Loddon Valley Police Station, Julian said: “I deny the alleged offence I was not over the specified limit.

“I had just finished a 12-hour shift at the Royal Berkshire Hospital where I work as a health care assistant.

“I didn’t take any illegal substances and I do not believe my driving was impaired.

“I’ve been driving this route for two years I’m familiar with the road. At the crossroads, I had right of way and continued across the crossroads.

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“I did not see a cyclist or any other vehicle as I approached.

“Midway way across there was an impact with the right side of my vehicle my windscreen shattered, hitting me.

“I was shocked and panicked and began to pull over to the side of the road to ascertain what had happened.

“I saw the body of a young male by a tree and could see he was injured and ran back to my car to ran to my phone and called the ambulance.

“At no point do I consider my driving as careless. I am deeply upset and shocked by what happened.”

Julian was then found with namely 4.9ug/L of cannabis in his system.

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He made another prepared statement to police which read: “I am surprised to learn my blood has come back with a reading above the specified limit.

“I had not taken cannabis on the 10th of June. I was fit to work throughout my shift and did not feel unfit to drive.

“I cannot recall my exact speed, it’s a busy road with speed bumps, I would not be able to drive at excessive speeds.”

The trial will continue on Monday (May 15).