ok, checked with folks at garage and there isn't anything more to say about it apparently - it was the bracket that the radar sensor is fixed to that was bent down at 45 degrees - thats 19D668 in the diagram. Hope that helps. Range Rover Sport TDV8 HSE, Buckingham Blue with Ebony Black
Defender 90 TD5, Tonga Green

So...what happends when you just unplug the sensor?

Don't know, but I would think you get a red light on the dash board somewhere and cruise control stops working completely. the bent bracket seemed to make the computers think it's still working and cruise keeps operating without alarm lights but radar input thinks there's nothing there.

I'm not guaranteeing it'll work for everyone, but If it works for someone then thats great, and if it doesn't then at least it seems easy to bend the bracket back to normal position with no harm done. Range Rover Sport TDV8 HSE, Buckingham Blue with Ebony Black
Defender 90 TD5, Tonga Green