Driver appears in court on murder charge over death of cyclist in Norwich

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a cyclist who was allegedly deliberately hit by a car.

Cyclist Richard Smith, 50, sustained serious head injuries in a collision in Norwich on 8 May and died in hospital three days later, Norfolk Police said.

David Morgan, 40, of George Winter Court, Norwich, had previously appeared before Norwich Magistrates’ Court charged with attempted murder and driving with excess alcohol.

Following the death of Mr Smith, Morgan appeared before Norwich Crown Court on Monday.

Prosecutor Andrew Jackson told the court that Mr Smith “has since died” and “the indictment now alleges a single count of murder”.

Morgan was not asked to enter a plea to the charge, and no application for bail was made.

Judge Anthony Bate set a provisional trial date of 2 November with a time estimate of 10 days.

He set a plea hearing for 3 July, and remanded Morgan in custody until then.

In a previous tribute released through police, Mr Smith’s family described him as a “keen NCFC [Norwich City Football Club] supporter, a blood and organ donor and a proud dad to his three children”.

A Norfolk Police spokesperson previously said the incident was reported to police “as a cyclist being deliberately hit by a white Mercedes CLA 180 Sport car” just after 5pm on 8 May in Chartwell Road.

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