A MAN accused of killing a motorcyclist in a crash on Woodford Green High Road is a deputy headteacher at one of Redbridge's most prestigious private schools, the Guardian can reveal.

Carl Lander, 39, of Toot Hill in Ongar, is currently on trial over the death of Shane Stanfield 33, of Rounton Road in Waltham Abbey, after a collision involving the pair in October 2008.

Mr Lander, who is the head of Seniors at St Aubyn's prep school in Bunces Lane, Woodford Green, is accused of carelessly driving his VW Caravelle people carrier across the face of traffic towards a side road just as Mr Stanfield was going in the opposite direction on his bike.

Mr Stanfield then collided with the people carrier, causing him severe internal injuries of which he died of shortly afterwards.

The trial has heard how, despite rainfall at the time, Mr Lander did not have his windscreen wipers on and told police afterwards that he had not seen Mr Stanfield.

The court has also heard how there were two children in the back of Mr Lander's vehicle - although it is not clear what their relationship was to him.

The prosecution allege that the teacher – who also helps run the St Aubyn's army cadets - failed to pay proper attention as he drove across the face of incoming traffic while he attempted to turn onto a side road after the end of the school day just before 6.30pm.

Mr Stanfield, a popular and well-known DJ, was just weeks away from celebrating the first birthday of his baby son Ronnie at the time.

Today the court heard from other drivers who witnesses the crash, all of whom said they had their windscreen wipers on at the time.

Three witnesses also said the driving conditions were dark, and that Mr Stanfield was seen wearing dark clothes and a black crash helmet.

Plumber Alan Gibson, who was driving behind Mr Stanfield in a white van, told the court how he spoke to Mr Lander following the crash.

He said: “He said he had seen me coming but that he hadn't seen the bike. He asked me if the bike had its lights on and I said yes.

“He seemed quite calm.”

Mr Lander denies causing death by careless driving.

The trial continues.