A FORMER courier has appeared in court charged with causing death by careless driving after a cyclist suffered fatal injuries on the A338 Spur Road.

Christopher Gibbs, who was 30, was riding home from work in the southbound carriageway at around 10.40pm on October 3 last year when he was involved in a collision around a mile from the Ashley Heath roundabout. He died at the scene.

Prosecutors allege he was hit by a white Mercedes Citan driven by Kevin Johnson, of Sandleford Lodge Park in Thatcham, Berkshire.

Johnson, 58, appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court yesterday morning. He has also been charged with being the driver of a vehicle and failing to stop after a road accident, driving dangerously and being the driver of a vehicle involved in a road accident and failing to report the accident.

The defendant, who was working as a courier driver when he was allegedly involved in the collision, has not yet entered pleas to the charges against him, and spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

Mr Gibbs's family attended court yesterday for the hearing. They listened quietly as Ian Bridge, representing Johnson, said the defendant cannot yet enter a plea.

Louise Holmes, prosecuting, said the dangerous driving charge, which reportedly happened on the Spur Road, Castle Lane West, East Way, Charminster Road, Richmond Hill and Durley Chine Road, cover a period following the alleged collision.

It is alleged that Johnson had been delivering a suitcase to a property in Bournemouth from Southampton Airport on the night of Mr Gibbs' death.

A plea and trial preparation hearing will take place at Bournemouth Crown Court next month. The defendant, who was issued with a postal requisition by police, is on unconditional bail.

Mr Gibbs' family paid tribute to him after his death. They said: "Christopher was a well-loved and respected son who his family were very proud of.

"We wish to thank everyone for their kind words and support and would request privacy at this deeply upsetting time."