A FORMER courier has pleaded guilty to causing the death of cyclist Christopher Gibbs by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Kevin Johnson admitted the charge when he appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court.

The 58-year-old will appear again for sentence on Friday, November 2.

Johnson, who lives in Thatcham in Berkshire, caused the death of Christopher Gibbs on the A338 Spur Road on the evening of October 3 last year when he was driving a Mercedes Citan van.

Mr Gibbs, 30, was riding home from work on the southbound carriageway at 10.40pm when he was involved in a collision around a mile from the Ashley Heath roundabout. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Johnson has also been charged with failing to stop after a road accident and failing to report the accident. A charge of driving dangerously has been dropped.

The defendant was working as a courier driver when he was involved in the accident and is believed to have been delivering a suitcase to a property in Bournemouth from Southampton Airport.

A major police investigation was launched following the death of Mr Gibbs and a wide search was carried out, it was said.

A white Mercedes van believed to have been involved in Mr Gibbs’ death was found in the Nursling area of Southampton in the early hours of the following morning, it was alleged.

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.”