A SOUTHAMPTON man has appeared in court over an accident that claimed the life of a cyclist shortly before Christmas.

Steven Carl Petterson, 39, was accused of causing the death of David Irving by driving without due care and attention.

The charge followed the accident in Mountbatten Way, Southampton, when Mr Irving was on his way to work as an IT consultant at Carnival Cruise Lines in West Quay Road.

Mr Irving, from Wimborne in Dorset, was injured in a collision with a Ford Transit minibus on December 17.

Petterson, of Waterhouse Lane, spoke only to confirm his identity during the hearing at Winchester Crown Court.

He did not offer a plea.

Judge Keith Cutler then ordered Petterson to appear at Southampton Crown Court on September 3 for a plea and case management hearing.

Petterson had unconditional bail renewed.

After the hearing, the defence confirmed that he would plead not guilty to the allegation.

Mr Irving, who was 48, was described by his family as “kind, thoughtful and courteous to his long-term partner and two beautiful daughters.

“He had a great sense of humour and a love of cycling, skiing and kayaking.”