A MAN has appeared in court for the first time over the death of a cyclist on a major Hampshire road.

Steven Carl Petterson spoke only to confirm his name and personal details when he made a first appearance at Southampton Magistrates’ Court.

The 38-year-old, of Waterhouse Lane, Southampton, was charged with causing death by driving without due care and attention.

On December 17, 2012, the Ford Transit minibus he was driving was involved in a collision with a bicycle on Mountbatten Way.

The cyclist, David Irving fom Wimborne, died as a result of his injuries. At the time of the collision he was travelling to work as an IT consultant at Carnival Cruise Lines on West Quay Road.

The 48-year-old was described by his family as "kind, thoughtful and devoted to his long term partner and two beautiful daughters.

"He had a great sense of humour and a love of cycling, skiing and kayaking."

The driver of a Mercedes Coupe, a 56-year-old man from Fordingbridge, also arrested at the time, was released with no further action.

Mr Petterson has been bailed to appear at Southampton Crown Court on July 1.