Driver 'was speeding' when he hit top Northern Irish rider

A top Northern Ireland cyclist who veered to avoid a dog was killed by a speeding motorist, a court in Antrim has heard.

Commonwealth Games medallist David McCall was taking part in a road race in Co Antrim in August 2008 when he was hit by Belfast man Michael Gerard Groome.

Groome has denied causing death by dangerous driving. According to the Belfast Telegraph, it is claimed he was in a hurry to catch a flight from Belfast International Airport.

A lawyer told a jury at Antrim Crown Court that after a small black dog ran out onto the Belfast Road in front of 46-year-old Mr McCall, he deviated slightly to his right and was struck by the overtaking Peugeot.

The bike was broken in two and Mr McCall, from Lisburn, was thrown into the air. The court heard that Groome initially didn’t stop but a short time later returned to the scene of the crash.

The prosecution said Groome told police he was driving at between 40 and 45 miles an hour, but he said eye-witnesses would testify that he overtook them at higher speeds. He added that Groome was was driving too fast and too close to cyclists taking part in the race.

The case continues.