AN EAST Lancashire man has appeared in court over an incident in which a woman died after being hit by an out of control bike.

Kevin Ian Duckworth, 41, of Addison Street, Accrington, was a marshal at the British Downhill Series Mountain Biking Competition at which 29-year-old spectator Judith Garrett died.

The event took place in Llangollen, North East Wales, on August 31, 2014.

Duckworth, who appeared at Flintshire Magistrates Court alongside co-defendants Michael Marsden and the British Cycling Federation, is alleged to have failed to ensure that his health and safety duties as a marshal were complied with.

The federation, which was represented by its head of corporate services, Alan Hawkins, is alleged to have failed to conduct its undertaking in such a way as to ensure the health and safety of people attending.

Race official Marsden, 40, of Gressingham Drive, Lancaster, is alleged to have failed to conduct the event in such a way that people were not exposed to risk, failed to ensure the safety of spectators at the competition and failed to provide marshals with adequate training regarding the safety of spectators.

He is also alleged to have failed to report the death of Miss Garrett at the British Downhill Series Mountain Biking Competition.

No pleas were indicated and the case was sent to Mold Crown Court, where the defendants will appear before a judge on September 29.

Duckworth and Marsden were granted unconditional bail

The national media reported Miss Garrett had been attending the event with her boyfriend Pete Walton.

She was airlifted to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke, but died the following day.

The British Cycling Federation, based in Manchester, is the nation’s largest cycling organisation and the national governing body for cycle sport. Its mission is to deliver international sporting success, grow and effectively govern cycle sport and inspire and support people to cycle regularly.