A woman has denied causing the death of a former police officer who was killed in an accident on a country road.
Sally Screech was driving a Volvo car which hit 64-year-old Ian Wyle as he rode his Triumph Bonneville 865 motorcycle on the A3124 at Beaford on May 25 last year.
Mr Wyle, from Tedburn St Mary, had retired after 30 years service in the Devon and Cornwall police and was praised after hid death for his work in the community.
Screech, aged 39, of Chubb Road, Bideford, denied causing death by dangerous driving when she appeared at Exeter Crown Court.
Her barrister Mr Nick Lewin said she would plead guilty to the lesser charge of causing death by careless driving. The only issue at her trial will be whether her driving was bad enough to be considered dangerous.
Judge David Evans adjourned her case for a trial at Exeter Crown Court on October 29 and released her on bail.
Mr Wyle’s family and former colleagues paid tribute to him after his death last year.
His family said: ‘We are all devastated at the loss of our lovely husband, father, "Grumpy”, son and brother.
‘Over his 30 years of service as a police officer across Devon, Ian became an integral part of the communities he worked with and became a friend to many.
‘A seasoned biker who had been riding motorbikes for nearly 50 years, he was considerate and treated the road with respect and loved nothing more than riding out in all weathers.
‘Family and friends are heartened that Ian died doing something he loved. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.’
Police Inspector Gareth Twigg said: ‘Ian joined Devon and Cornwall Police in 1972 as a police constable where he served the force across Devon for 30 years. He retired from his last post, in the Tiverton area, in 2002.
‘He was an exceptional police officer – and we are extremely sorry for the loss of Ian. Our thoughts are with all of his friends and family at this hard time.’