Driver charged with murder following cyclist's death

Leicestershire Constabulary have charged a 21-year-old man with murder following the death of a cyclist in Leicester earlier this week, and are appealing for another cyclist whom they believe was in the area at the time to come forward as a witness.

Karl Herbert of Bland Road, New Park, Leicester, appeared before Leicester Magistrates Court earlier today.

The victim, 25-year-old Adrian Bridgeman, known as Ady to his family and friends, died in hospital yesterday from injuries received on Tuesday after he was hit by a van on New Parks Boulevard.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Harrison, who is leading the enquiry, was quoted on the Leicester Mercury website as saying prior to today’s hearing that “the incident was reported to police as a road traffic collision.

“However, as the investigation has progressed it has now changed into a murder enquiry.”

He added: “We believe there was another pedal cyclist travelling along New Parks Boulevard, close to the scene of the accident, at the time and we would like this person to contact us.

“Any calls received will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Leicestershire Constabulary on 0116 222 2222.

Police added that a 24-year-old man had been released on police bail, while a 16-year-old youth had been released without charge.

It is unclear at this stage exactly why the police have decided to prosecute on the basis of a murder charge, when the most severe charge generally levelled at motorists involved in incidents that lead to the death of cyclists is that of causing death by dangerous driving.

This morning, Leicestershire Constabulary released a statement prepared by the victim’s parents, Caroline and Jess Bridgeman, which read:

“Ady was a kind, caring and loving son, brother and uncle. He didn’t have a bad bone in his body and was always smiling and laughing. He adored his nieces and nephews and they will miss him tremendously, as we all will.

“Ady was a happy go lucky person, everywhere he went he would make people laugh. Ady had so many friends and we are sure they would all say the same about him.

“He didn’t deserve to die so young. The family has been ripped apart by this tragedy and the way he died will live with us forever.”