IN THE DOCK: Nicholas Lovell, the man charged with the death of tandem cyclists Ross and Clare Simons in Hanham

This is the first picture released of Nicholas Lovell, the man charged with causing the deaths of a married couple in Hanham by dangerous driving.

Lovell, 38, appeared before North Avon Magistrates' Court yesterday accused of causing the deaths of Ross and Clare Simons, who were thrown from their tandem as they cycled in Lower Hanham Road, Hanham, on Sunday afternoon.

Lovell, of West Street in Oldland Common, was also charged with driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and failing to stop after an accident.

He did not enter any pleas to the charges.

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Wearing a dark blue T-shirt and glasses, Lovell only spoke to confirm his name and date of birth.

The court heard he was accused of causing the deaths of Mr and Mrs Simons while driving a Citroen car.

Lovell was remanded in custody to appear before Bristol Crown Court on February 21 for a preliminary hearing via video link.

Ross, 34, and Clare, 30, who lived in Hillfields, Fishponds, both died at the scene of the incident as a result of the injuries they sustained.

Ross worked for his father's property rental company while Clare worked at Topshop in Cabot Circus.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission yesterday confirmed that it would not be launching an investigation into police conduct in the events leading up to Mr and Mrs Simons' death. The incident had been referred to the IPCC as a "matter of course" because of police involvement before the crash.

An IPCC spokesman said: "Our investigators undertook an assessment of the referral made to us by Avon and Somerset police. We have decided that no investigation of its conduct is necessary and the force is now free to continue to investigate the incident itself."

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A ONE-minute silence was due to be held outside Cafe Bonjour in Hanham High Street at noon today in memory of Mr and Mrs Simons, pictured above.

Cafe owner Imed Baccar said he organised the event because many people wanted to pay their respects.

Family friends Tom Williams and Steve Cann have also organised a minute's silence on behalf of the families of Mr and Mrs Simons, on Sunday from 3.45pm, at the site of the crash in Lower Hanham Road.

By request of the couple's families everyone is asked to bring a can of Fosters lager or Blackthorn cider – full or empty – and a pen.

Labels will be provided for well-wishers to write messages to Mr and Mrs Simons on the cans.