A man appeared in court today accused of killing a couple who were mowed down by a car while riding their tandem bike.
Nicky Lovell, 38, is charged with causing the deaths of Ross Simons, 34, and his wife Clare, 30, by dangerous driving.
He is also charged with failing to stop his Citroen Picasso at the scene of the accident in Hanham, Bristol, on Sunday afternoon.
Lovell, of Oldland Common, South Glos., faced further charges of driving while disqualified and driving without insurance at North Avon Magistrates Court in Yate.
Wearing a navy blue t-shirt and glasses, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the five-minute hearing and was remanded in custody.
Kathryn Jones, prosecuting, said: “The incident on January 27 resulted unfortunately in the fatalities of the two individuals that have been named.
“There is no bail application. The crown seeks remand in custody.”
Chair of the bench Catherine Gunnery told Lovell: “You have heard what has been said you are going to go to the crown court for a preliminary hearing on February 21.
“You are remanded in custody until that date.”
The incident happened at 3.50pm on Sunday just two miles from the Simons’ home in Staple Hill, Bristol, as they enjoyed one of their first rides on the tandem.
They sustained horrific injuries and both died at the scene, on Lower Hanham Road, despite attempts by paramedics to save their lives.
Family and friends held a candle lit vigil on Monday to remember the couple where Ross’ sister Kelly Wooduff described the pair as a “perfect couple”.
She said: “This is a tribute to Ross and Clare because they were so, so loved.
“This is an amazing tribute to two amazing people.
“We basically came to show respect to Ross and Clare, they were very special.
“The turnout it just proves how highly they were thought of.
“Everyone loved them and to have them taken away from us is heart wrenching.
“They were just special people who had very special qualities.
“They were the perfect couple. They loved each other unconditionally, they were made for each other.
“Ross was the best brother , we were very close and I don’t know what I’ll do without him.
“He did anything for everyone. If you asked most people here, he did something for them, mended their roof for nothing.
“Clare was equally special. She brought her own qualities. She had a heart of gold.
“It was a privilege to have her as a sister in law and as a friend.
“You won’t find one person who has a negative thing to say about Ross and Clare because they were such a magical couple.”
The couple had been married for about 18 months and friends said they had just been given the go-ahead for IVF treatment.
Lovell is due to appear before Bristol Crown Court on February 21 for a preliminary hearing.
A 35-year-old woman also arrested in connection with the collision remains on police bail.
