Colchester lorry driver denies causing the death of a physiotherapist through careless driving

Esther Hartsilver, 32, was knocked down and killed 100 metres from the hospital she was cycling towards to go to work.

Her colleagues were unable to save her.

She was killed after colliding with a Co-op articulated food lorry driven by Philip Beadle.

Beadle, 47, from Colchester, appeared at Inner London Crown Court and denied causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

The crash took place on May 28, 2015 during rush hour.

Ms Hartsilver was on her way to work at King’s College Hospital in London when the accident happened.

She was taken into the hospital in an ambulance but later died of her injuries later that afternoon.

Ms Hartsilver, from Islington, was a pelvic health specialist and had been working at the hospital for a year having previously worked at Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster hospital and The Portland Hospital.

She had studied at the University of Manchester.

Beadle had previously appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court following the 8am crash in London.

Following her death cycle campaigners held a vigil at the scene for weeks.

Fundraising events were also held in her honour, following her death with colleagues and friends paying tribute to her dedication to fitness, regularly cycling to work and being a member of the Project Awesome fitness club based near London Bridge.

Ms Hartsilver's friend, Haylee Palmer, speaking to the Evening Standard at the time, said: “Esther was the life and soul of the party.

“She was just a really good person. She had a way of walking into a room and lighting it up with her smile.

“She was a person who could make you feel so good about yourself and made everyone feel happy.

“She put 100 per cent into everything and took everything she could from life. Her family meant everything to her and they were incredible close. She loved spending time with her friends.”

Beadle will go on trial at the court in September.