AYDOGDU: ‘VICTIM LOST CONTROL’, CLAIMS CYCLE DEATH ACCUSED

A driver accused of killing a cyclist by opening his car door into oncoming traffic claimed the victim ‘lost control’ shortly before the crash, a court heard today (TUES).

Kenan Aydogdu, 32, told police he looked over his shoulder before getting out and saw 25 year-old Sam Harding hit a single-decker bus.

Mr Harding, who was on his way to see his girlfriend, was crushed under the wheels of the 153 in Holloway Road, north London, on the afternoon of August 6 last year.

It is claimed Aydogdu caused the cyclist’s death by failing to check before flinging open the door of his parked Audi A8.

Aydogdu was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving, opening a car door to danger and having  illegally tinted windows.

He made no comment in interview but issued a prepared statement which was read out to jurors at the Old Bailey.

Aydogdu said in the statement: ‘On Saturday 6th August 2011 I was parked in my car in Holloway Road.

‘I had switched the engine off and the car was in park mode. I was just about to get out. I opened the door a little and I looked over my right shoulder.

‘I saw the cyclist and the bus come at the same time. I think the cyclist lost control of the cycle and hit the bus and went under the bus.

‘I am not sure whether the cyclist hit the car first or the bus.’

The court heard he made a similar statement to an officer at the scene at around 2pm.

Aydogdu was charged with manslaughter on January 30 this year.

The court heard the windows on the Audi had just 17 per cent transparency.

Aydogdu, of Crossways Road, Grayshott, Hindhead, Surrey, denies manslaughter.

The trial continues.