AN ELDERLY motorcyclist was thrown off his machine and cartwheeled through the air after being struck by a car, a court heard.

Geoffrey Steele had been riding his BMW R1100S along Marsh Lane in Headington in September 2014 when he was struck by a Vauxhall Zafira driven by Mahamud Abubaka.

A jury of five women and seven men heard how Abubaka had pulled out on to the road straight into the path of the 74-year-old.

Motorist Sharon Willett told Oxford Crown Court yesterday[mon apr4] she had been sitting in her car behind Abubaka.

She said after a car driving in front of Mr Steele passed the give way junction, 36-year-old Abubaka pulled out into his path.

She added: "There was no time for the motorbike to react, it was just too quick.

"The Zafira had pulled out, the bike impacted and I saw the cyclist and motorbike and front spoiler of the car cartwheel then land on the road."

Ms Willett jumped out her car to help Mr Steele – who had been wearing a helmet and hi-visibility jacket – and a passing driving instructor called 999.

But despite being operated on, Mr Steele died 23 days later.

Prosecutor Charlene Sumnall told the jury that by carrying out the turn without checking it was safe, Abubaka's driving had not been careful or competent.

Abubaka, of Pound Field Close, Barton, denies causing Mr Steele's death by careless driving.

When quizzed by police he gave a written statement, then answered no comment to further questions, the court heard.

The trial continues.