A cyclist has appeared in front of the magistrates after allegedly crashing into a woman on the River Thames towpath.
Edward Breesan, 55, of Newton Road, Oxford, was not asked to enter pleas when he appeared before Oxford Magistrates’ Court this afternoon (July 25).
The defendant is accused of riding a bicycle on a public footpath without due care and attention and causing bodily harm through ‘wanton or furious' riding.
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Standing in the dock wearing a dark suit, black shirt and wine-red tie, the defendant spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
Prosecuting, Aamir Barrett said the defendant had allegedly been involved in a collision with Polly Friedhoff on the River Thames towpath at Iffley Lock on November 20 last year.
Ms Friedhoff, 81, died from her injuries 12 days after the collision, the court was told. Earlier this year, Oxford Coroner’s Court heard she died at the John Radcliffe Hospital on December 2.
The allegation of causing bodily harm through ‘wanton or furious driving’ is indictable only, meaning it is so serious a plea can only be taken at the crown court.
The defendant, whose surname was spelled in court documents as Breesan, was bailed by chairman of the magistrates' bench Jo Robinson to attend Oxford Crown Court on August 24.
He will be expected to enter pleas in front of a circuit judge on that date.
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