A Plymouth policeman is due to appear in court accused of driving without due care and attention following an incident in which he is alleged to have driven too close to a cyclist while passing.

The individual who brought the prosecution, Paul Wright, said that he was cycling home from work along Milehouse Road in September of last year when he was passed dangerously closely by PC Steven Wilson, reports the Plymouth Herald.

At a preliminary hearing at Plymouth Magistrates Court, Wilson pleaded not guilty to the charge. The trial will take place on September 1.

In 2013, police were given the power to hand out on-the-spot penalties for careless driving. The fixed penalty is £100 and three points on the driver's licence. However, courts may impose higher penalties. The maximum for driving without due care and attention is £5,000 together with 3-9 points and a discretionary disqualification.