A minicab driver has appeared in court accused of causing the crash that claimed the life of a 68-year-old cyclist.

Daniel O’Donnell, 28, is said to have failed to give way at the junction of Haydon Road and Lydalls Road, Didcot, shortly after midnight on August 8, 2020.

His black Toyota Prius, marked with the livery of Go Green Taxis, allegedly struck cyclist Robert Mallinson, who was on his way home from an evening playing snooker at The Barn, Didcot.

READ MORE: Vigil held for cyclist who died at scene of crash near Oxford Parkway Station

Mr Mallinson died on August 23 of the injuries he suffered in the crash, Oxford Magistrates’ Court heard.

Appearing before the justices on Tuesday afternoon, O’Donnell, of Main Road, Appleford, entered no plea to a single charge of causing death by careless driving.

The magistrates sent the case to Oxford Crown Court, where O’Donnell is expected to appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing on March 18. He was granted unconditional bail.

Dressed in a black coat, black face mask and glasses, the defendant spoke only to confirm his personal details and that he understood the outcome of the hearing.

Members of Mr Mallinson’s family were sat in the public gallery in courtroom one together with two uniformed police officers.

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