A SOUTHAMPTON man is due to appear at crown court following a fatal crash on a Hampshire road.

Brian Frederick Moles, 53, is set to appear at Southampton Crown Court next month accused of causing the death of motorcyclist Paul Matthews.

The 56-year-old died in hospital after a crash on the A326 at Marchwood.

Mr Matthews, from Dibden, was riding his Harley-Davidson when he was involved in a collision with a Mercedes Sprinter van.

The crash happened on the Marchwood Bypass at its junction with Staplewood Lane just after 10am on September 8 last year.

Mr Matthews was rushed to Southampton General Hospital following the collision but doctors were unable to save his life.

Moles, of Lyon Street, Southampton, appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court earlier this month to face an allegation of causing death by dangerous driving.

He was given unconditional bail and is due to appear next at Southampton Crown Court on September 20.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, the A326 was closed for several hours following the crash.

Officers appealed for anyone who saw the crash, or had dashcam footage of the collusion to come forward.

Family members of Mr Matthews also released a tribute to their loved-one following the news of his death.

In a statement, they said: “We are truly devastated and numb having been given this news.

“Paul was a fantastic, loving husband and brother. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and colleagues.”