A Blackburn man has appeared before magistrates and pleaded not guilty to causing the death by careless driving of a motorcyclist in October 2021.

Riley Meachem, 22, of Brotherton Drive, was driving a BMW 5 series when it collided with a Ducati ridden by father-of-three Clifford Shashby by on Bocholt Way, Rawtenstall.

Police were called to the collision at 6.49pm on October 27, 2021, and Mr Shashby was taken to hospital with multiple serious injuries and was in critical condition.

Meachem, who was 21 at the time of the incident, remained at the scene following the collision.

Mr Shashby died as a result of his injuries three weeks after the incident in hospital. 

At Blackburn Magistrates' Court this morning, Peter Bardsley, prosecuting, said Meachem had been turning right into a car park when the collision occurred.

“The issue is going to be how fast was Mr Shasby driving and could Mr Meachem see him or be expected to see him,” said Mr Bardsley.

Gwyn Lewis, defending, said there was limited CCTV footage relating to the incident.

“We may have to do a reconstruction,” said Mr Lewis.

“The footage of the reconstruction can be compared to the footage we already have and it should be possible to establish the speed of the bike.”

The case was adjourned by magistrates until May 5 for a further case management hearing.

Mr Shashby, 56, from Newchurch in Rossendale, was involved in a collision just before 7pm on October 27.

He died in hospital from his injuries on November 19, police confirmed.

The building trade worker was said to be an avid rock climber with a love of motorcycles.

A family statement said: "Cliff was truly unique, always doing vast amounts of in-depth research for his latest project or task.

"He was a real raconteur with an endless supply of entertaining tales from his adventures.

"Always on the the go and creative in many ways, particularly musically, a guitar was never far from his hand."