A BUS driver accused of causing the death of an elderly cyclist by careless driving is to undergo a re-trial later this year.

It follows the original trial jury’s failure to reach a verdict in the case of James Cox, at Durham Crown Court, earlier this month.

On leaving court, Mr Cox, of Millfield Court, Blackhill, Consett, who denied the charge, was told a decision would be taken in due course if the Crown was to seek a re-trial.

The 46-year-old Go North-East driver was at the wheel of a single-deck Diamond service vehicle, on the 16A Durham to Stanley route, which collided with an electric-powered cycle ridden by 81-year-old Walter Heighley, on the B6532 Durham to Sacriston road, shortly after 11am on November 17, 2015,.

As Mr Heighley veered right to turn onto Potterhouse Lane, Mr Cox was overtaking in the bus .

Mr Cox believed the cyclist, who did not signal, was intending to head straight on and said he had little chance to avoid the collision.

The case came back into the list at the court on Thursday, when Christine Egerton, for the Crown, confirmed the prosecution would be seeking a re-trial.

Following discussion with defence counsel Lorraine Mustard, a date was agreed for the new hearing, to start on Monday October 16, with a three-day time estimate.