A 40-year-old motorist who caused the death of a pensioner while under the influence of drugs has been warned to expect a “significant” jail sentence.

Jonathan Cockroft was at the wheel of a red Nissan Almera when he was involved in an accident that killed 77-year-old pedestrian Lawrence Moore, Bradford Crown Court heard.

Pony-tailed Cockroft, of Brighouse and Denholme Road, Queensbury, Bradford, pleaded guilty yesterday to causing Mr Moore’s death by careless driving while unfit through drugs.

He also admitted causing Mr Moore’s death while driving uninsured and possession of the Class A drugs heroin and crack cocaine on November 6 last year.

Mr Moore was fatally injured on Beacon Road, Wibsey, Bradford, at 6pm on November 5. He was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary and died on November 8.

Cockroft appeared on bail at the crown court for a case management hearing before the Recorder of Bradford, Judge James Stewart QC.

His barrister, Richard Wright, asked the judge to adjourn sentence for the preparation of a report from the probation service.

Mr Wright said: “He understands the inevitability of a significant custodial sentence.”

Judge Stewart told Cockroft: “Your counsel realistically concedes that this will incur a custodial sentence. The question will be, how long?”

The judge extended Cockroft’s bail to the sentencing hearing on November 11.

He made it a condition that he attends the probation office to co-operate with the preparation of the report.

Judge Stewart made an interim driving ban, barring Cockroft from taking to the road with immediate effect.

Causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

It can be dealt with only at the crown court and carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment.

Disqualification from driving for a minimum period of two years, followed by an extended re-test, is mandatory.

Laurie Moore’s son, Nigel, said his 77-year-old father, who lived in Beldon Lane, Wibsey, had decided to walk the ten minutes to the chip shop at Beacon Road because his car battery had gone flat.

Following the incident, the Telegraph & Argus carried comments back in November from Mr Moore’s son, Nigel, who said his dad had been on the way to the fish and chip shop when the incident occurred.

He said: “He was a big family man, very proud of his grandchildren and who looked after mum superbly.

“He would do anything for anyone, he would always be ready to help out when needed – it was just his nature.”

Mr Moore was brought up in Clayton Heights and later living in the Lidget Green area.