A MAN has appeared in court charged with causing the death of a popular Southampton teenager by careless driving.

Neil Howard denies causing the death of "gentle giant" Nick Brisland in Spring Road in the city earlier this year.

As previously reported, a flood of tributes were made to the 19-year-old following his death in the crash on April 24.

Nick was believed to be on his way to a bike meet in Weston Shore when he was involved in a collision with a car.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Ambulance and paramedics rushed to the scene but despite their efforts Nick died at the scene.

In the wake of his death, police charged Neil Howard with causing his death by driving his Peugeot 207 without due care and attention.

Mr Howard appeared briefly at Southampton Crown Court today, speaking only to confirm his not guilty plea.

The 39-year-old from Kensington Road in Portsmouth was released on conditional bail and will next appear at the court for a plea and case management hearing on January 7.

He is then due to appear for his trial on April 18, which is set to last for up to five days. Nick, who was a trainee manager at McDonald's in Hedge End, was a hugely popular member of both the local scouting movement and biking community.

His mother, Maria Brisland from Hythe, described him as the "perfect son", saying: “He was a friend as well as a son. He had a very good sense of humour. He was just an all-round amazing person.

“He was always thinking about me and would always turn up at the shop with flowers for no reason, other than to put a smile on my face.”

As reported, more than 400 people gathered outside the McDonald's in Hedge End in May to pay their respects to the former Oasis Academy Mayfield and Southampton City College student.

The bikers and car drivers drove to Portsdown Hill near Portsmouth with dozens of balloons and ribbons in Nick's favourite colour, orange.

• Hundreds pay tribute to Nick Brisland - in pictures >>

And many of them took part in another procession to his funeral at Southampton Crematorium days later, where mourners also wore orange.

Itchen South Scots deputy district commissioner Chris Walker described him as: "a very bubbly character; he was the life and soul of the party. He was so much into scouting, he was always enjoying adventures and always involved in the activities."

“He was very popular, and he was the one that really stood during the shows.”