A MOTORIST has admitted responsibility for the death of a cyclist, who was described as a hero and figurehead of Hampshire’s cycling community.

Michael Filgate, 38, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Derek Witt by driving a Peugeot dangerously on the Itchen Bridge in Southampton and causing death by driving without a licence or insurance.

Filgate, of International Way, Weston, was further remanded in custody and will be sentenced at the trial of a coaccused John Levy, 36, of Osborne Road South, who denied aiding and abetting the charges against Filgate owing to the state of the vehicle and by having no licence or insurance.

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At the end of a 20-minute hearing, Judge Peter Ralls QC extended bail. In addition to being electronically tagged, Levy must report twice a week to Portswood police and observe a curfew.

He has also been told he cannot apply for a passport or travel documents, drive a vehicle and contact Filgate.

The court heard Levy’s trial would last eight days and a date will be fixed after the prosecution and defence lawyers have discussed witness requirements.

Mr Witt, who lived in Swanwick, died on August 20 at the scene of the accident.

He was riding with three other members of the Woolston-based DHC racing team.

Seven ambulances, two doctors and 20 police officers and firefighters attended the crash on the bridge which was closed for six hours for experts to investigate.

Team mates later joined an Olympic flag ceremony in his honour. They had agreed to take part in an Olympic torch relay to mark the handover of the games from Beijing to London.

Spokesman Dave Hooper said: “Derek embodied the competitive Olympic spirit.

We wanted to dedicate the ride to him because he was such a popular guy. We all respected him. He was a legend.”

In a statement, his family said: “Derek was a loving and caring family man. He died doing the sport he loved.”