A MOTORIST has appeared in court accused of causing a man's death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Ryan Stobart, 24, made a brief appearance before the city's Rickergate magistrates yesterday to face an allegation that he caused the death of motorcyclist David Holden at a crossroads near to Welton on November 2, 2017.

Prosecutors allege that he caused the accident as the result of a "momentary inattention".

At the time of the tragedy, according to court documents, Stobart, of Hesket Newmarket, near Caldbeck, was driving a Mercedes Benz A class car through the Goosegreen Crossroads near to Welton.

In court, Stobart - who was represented by defence lawyer David Chant - confirmed his name and nationality and said he would not at this stage indicate any plea to the charge.

The defendant told District Judge Gerald Chalk that he wished to have the case dealt with at Carlisle Crown Court rather than at the magistrates court.

Judge Chalk ruled that the case could be sent to the crown court for a hearing on May 13.

At the time of the accident which gave rise to the charge, Cumbria Police confirmed that Mr Holden was 54 years old and from Wigton.

He was riding a Yamaha motorcycle.

Police were called to the scene shortly after 8am.

In a statement, his family described him as a brilliant and loving father who was "a rock" to his wife Tracy.

The road where it happened - the B5299 - runs between Welton and Caldbeck.