A WOMAN has appeared in court charged with driving offences after a male cyclist died in a crash.

Jessica Berry, 26 and of Jubilee Road in Corfe Mullen, attended Poole Magistrates Court on June 3 for a first hearing.

Berry faces four charges after 40-year-old James Raeburn died at the scene of a crash on Julians Road in Wimborne on October 4, 2023.

She has been charged with causing death by driving without due care while over the prescribed limit of alcohol and causing death by driving without due care while over the specified limit of a controlled drug, specifically cannabis.

She is also charged with failing to stop after a road traffic accident and using a motor vehicle in a condition that is likely to cause danger of injury, namely a damaged windscreen.

Berry was granted conditional bail until the next hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court on July 4 for a plea and trial preparation.

Dorset Police were called to reports of a collision at 10.11pm on October 4 between James, who was a cyclist, and a red Vauxhall Corsa.

In a tribute, James’ family described him as an “amazing and caring person who had overcome a lot of obstacles in his life”.

They said: “He had a love of 60s and 70s music and horror films.

“He would travel for miles on his bike and enjoy long walks.

“His life was just coming together, and he was the happiest he has ever been, enjoying his charity work at Oxfam in Parkstone, thanks to the staff he was more confident and sure of what he was doing.

“He was also starting to volunteer at Hospital Radio Bedside.”