A van driver has admitted hitting and killing an off-duty police officer in a horror smash.

Graham Ellison, 59, was driving a Royal Mail vehicle in September 2019 when it collided with a Triumph motorcycle being ridden by PC Oliver Evans, who once served as a special constable with Lancashire Constabulary. 

The 27-year-old officer tragically died as a result of the crash, on an A road near Kendal, Cumbria.

Ellison had previously denied a charge of driving a vehicle without due care and attention.

However, in an appearance at Carlisle Crown Court on Apr 28, he admitted the offence.

The court heard a collision expert concluded Mr Evans would have had only one-and-a-half to two seconds to respond to the situation as he rounded a corner.

The collision was "entirely was the making" of van driver Ellison, it was heard.

He is scheduled to be sentenced at the same court on June 23.

Judge Nicholas Barker said: “The court will, of course, take into account your guilty plea, and will afford the appropriate credit for doing so, and that will be reflected in the sentence that is passed."

Ellison, from near Carnforth, was granted unconditional bail until sentencing, when the court will hear impact statements from Mr Evans’ relatives.

Speaking after the tragedy, his family spoke of being "heartbroken" and described Mr Evans as a "caring, loving and loyal individual who was a true delight to be around".

Mr Evans had initially served as a special constable with Lancashire Constabulary before joining Cumbria Police, where he went on to become a PC.

He qualified as an advanced driver and undertook training to become an authorised firearms officer.

Cumbria’s Chief Constable, Michelle Skeer, previously said: “Oli was a dedicated, professional officer who was well-liked by his colleagues.”