A man has appeared in court charged with murdering a cyclist who was allegedly deliberately struck by a car. Father-of-three Richard Smith, 50, suffered severe head injuries in a crash on Chartwell Road in Norwich just after 5pm on May 8 and died in hospital three days later.
Court Appearance
David Morgan, 40, previously faced charges of attempted murder and driving with excess alcohol after his Mercedes C180 reportedly hit Mr Smith's bicycle. He is accused of failing to stop at the scene and was arrested shortly before 7pm, approximately half a mile away. Initially charged with attempted murder and drink-driving, Morgan was later rearrested on suspicion of murder, dangerous driving, drink-driving, and drug driving.
During his initial appearance at Norwich Magistrates' Court, prosecutor Josephine Jones stated there was a 'very remote' chance Mr Smith would survive, warning Morgan could face a more serious charge. She alleged 'a deliberate targeting of a cyclist'. Following Mr Smith's death, Morgan, understood to be a forklift driver, was brought before Norwich Crown Court on Monday and now faces a single count of murder.
Legal Proceedings
Morgan was not required to enter a plea, and no bail application was made. Judge Anthony Bate set a provisional trial date of November 2, estimated to last ten days. A plea hearing is scheduled for July 3, with Morgan remanded in custody until then.
In a tribute, Mr Smith's family described him as a keen Norwich City football fan, a blood and organ donor, and 'a proud dad' to his three children. He was called 'a much-loved partner, dad, brother, son, friend and colleague'. They added: 'We are all struggling to make sense of such a tragic loss. We will remember him with love and kindness and for some truly terrible dance moves.'
Mr Smith was UK sales manager at Delta Fire, a fire safety firm, which said he was a 'much-loved colleague' who would be 'deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of working with him'. Norfolk Police confirmed they received reports of 'a cyclist being deliberately hit by a white Mercedes CLA 180 Sport car' on May 8.
