A St Albans motorist appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday (13) in a private prosecution relating to causing the death of a cyclist by careless driving.

Gail Purcell, 58, of Colney Street, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for the first hearing into the offence.

The case was brought to court by Cycling UK’s Cyclists’ Defence Fund (CDF) following the death of London teacher Michael (Mick) Mason, 70, in Regent Street, London, on February 25, 2014.

Ms Purcell pleaded not guilty to the charge and the case was referred to Southwark Crown Court where a hearing is due on October 11.

She was driving a black Nissan Juke when the accident happened north on Regent Street from Oxford Circus. Mr Mason died 19 days later after never regaining consciousness.