A motorcyclist who was tragically killed following a road traffic collision was called a “fantastic dad” as the man responsible for his death admitted as much at court.

James Cochrane, 67, was riding his motorcycle on Bellsdyke Road at the Junction with Kincardine Road in Larbert just before noon on Thursday, November 7, 2024 when he was struck by a van driven by Kenneth Carty, 60.

The father-of-two suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Carty, 117 Wyndford Avenue, Uphall, West Lothian, was arrested in October last year, almost a year after the fatal incident.

James Cochrane died following the road traffic collision in Larbert (Picture: Submitted by family)

placeholder image — James Cochrane died following the road traffic collision in Larbert (Picture: Submitted by family)

Appearing Falkirk Sheriff Court on Wednesday, Carty pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

In a statement from law firm Digby Brown, Mr Cochrane’s wife Jackylyn said: “For more than half my life I knew and loved James. We travelled the world together, we laughed and shared all of life’s moments, including raising our family.

“He was a fantastic dad to our two daughters and nothing was ever too much bother for him. As a family our grief doesn’t end today and the future we had planned looks very different without James.

“We want to thank everyone for their support and kind words.”

In the days after Mr Cochrane’s death, his grieving wife described him as her “rock”.

At the time, she said: “Jimmy was my best friend and my soul mate. Rest in peace my darling until we meet again, your loving wife Jackylyn and daughters Kelly and Stephanie.

"We love and miss you.”

Carty, who was banned from driving and released on bail, will be sentenced at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Wednesday, September 16.