A MAN has appeared in court charged with causing the death of a Wetheral cyclist by dangerous driving.

Neil Gass, 46, was accused of causing the death of Michael Seminara, who died following a crash on the A689 Cargo Roundabout in Carlisle on March 29 last year.

The keen cyclist had been our riding with friends when his pedal cycle was involved in a collision with an HGV at the roundabout for Cargo and Stainton.

Mr Seminara, 71, had worked at the city’s Metal Box factory for 30 years and had trained many apprentices.

He went on to work in Jordan and Malaysia before returning to north Cumbria to retire.

Shortly before his death, the man described as a beloved husband, father-of-three and grandfather-to-seven had completed the Camino de Santiago trail in Spain, as well as the UK coast to coast route.

On the first anniversary of his death this year, his family and friends recreated his final route, completing it in his memory.

In his first appearance before magistrates in Carlisle, Gass spoke only to confirm his address and date of birth before the case was sent to the city’s crown court.

Sending the case to crown court, presiding magistrate Jennifer Wilkinson said: “These matters are so serious we can’t deal with them in this court.”

Gass, of Prior Avenue in Canonbie, was given unconditional bail ahead of his next court appearance.

He will appear at Carlisle Crown Court on August 23.