One of Europe’s foremost telecommunications experts has been given a suspended jail term after admitting causing the death of an Ipswich motorcyclist.

Ipswich Star: Duane Cook died following a collision at the turn off to Levington on the old A45Duane Cook died following a collision at the turn off to Levington on the old A45

Professor Edwin Candy, of Beach Road East, Felixstowe, was sentenced at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court in Ipswich, today.

The 73-year-old, who has made a significant contribution to 2G, 3G and 4G technology, had previously admitted causing the death of Duane Cook by careless driving.

Mr Cook, a father-of-six, died following a collision on the A1156 at Nacton on March 29 last year caused by Candy who was driving a Honda CRV.

The 43-year-old delivery driver for Next had been on his way home from work when the tragedy occurred.

In a momentary lapse of concentration Candy had turned across the path of Mr Cook’s oncoming Yamaha motorcycle, which was travelling at below 50mph in a 60mph limit.

Vedrana Pehar, representing Candy, said her client was genuinely remorseful and had done everything he could to try to assist the dying Mr Cook.

Miss Pehar told the court: “No words can express what a tragic incident this was and the great loss that Mr Cook’s family must understandably feel.

“Mr Candy does not for a second wish to shy away from that.

“The moment this incident happened Mr Candy rushed out of his car and went to aid, or to help, Mr Cook immediately.

“In those moments he held him very tenderly and spoke to him in order to try to give him some courage.

“Mr Candy clearly illustrated he was doing everything he possibly could to assist in these tragic moments.

“He makes no excuses and finds it a daily struggle to come to terms with the impact of his decision to cross the road at that moment.”

The magistrates heard Candy continues to have flashbacks about the incident.

Candy, who has been driving since the 1960s and never had an endorsement on his licence, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He was also disqualified from driving for four years and must pay £85 costs.

After Candy’s sentencing Mr Cook’s fiancee Julie, spoke on behalf of his family.

She said: “I am satisfied with what the court has done.

“Taking his licence away is the most important part. Nothing they do will bring Duane back anyway.

“The way I look at it is – yes he (Candy) is suffering and what he’s going through is punishment in itself.

“He’s got to live with that.

“It was an accident. He didn’t set out to do it. He’s now paying for it.”