Driver charged with manslaughter after open car door leads to death of cyclist

A 32-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death on London's Holloway Road of cyclist Sam Harding last August, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed.

Mr Harding, aged 25, died after being struck by a bus when he swerved to avoid the open door of a parked car. According a report in the to the Islington Tribune in the week following his death, a 31-year-old motorist was arrested at the scene and bailed to return at a later date.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed to road.cc that the man charged in connection with Mr Harding's death was the motorist in charge of the parked car.

According to a report on the Cycling Intelligence blog at the time, the door was actually opened by a child who was in the vehicle, although that is unconfirmed.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: "Traffic officers investigating the death of a cyclist in Holloway in August last year have charged a man with manslaughter.

"Kenan Aydogdu, 32 (1/1/80) of no fixed abode appeared in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Corner on Tuesday, 31 January charged with the manslaughter of Samuel Jack Harding, 25, in Holloway Road on 6 August 2011.

"He was remanded on bail to appear at the Old bailey in June 2012 (date to be confirmed).

Aydogdu was arrested at the scene on 6 August and had been on bail pending further enquiries. He returned on Monday, 30 January when he was charged as above."