Cyclist charged in connection with 81-year-old's death in Oxford

A cyclist has appeared in court in connection with a crash that killed an 81-year-old woman.

Edward Bressan, 55, faced Oxford Magistrates' Court accused of two offences relating to the death of Polly Friedhoff in Oxford.

Bressan, of Newton Road, Oxford, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during a brief hearing.

He is charged with riding a bicycle without due care and attention and a second offence of "having charge of a bicycle by wanton or furious driving" caused bodily harm to Ms Friedhoff.

The court heard the alleged incident took place on a footpath that runs alongside the River Thames near Iffley Lock on November 20 last year.

Ms Friedhoff suffered serious injuries in the crash and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington but died on December 2.

Magistrates sent the case to Oxford Crown Court and released Bressan on unconditional bail.

He will next appear at Oxford Crown Court on August 24.

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