A driver accused over a hit-and-run incident which left a paralympic cyclist seriously injured appeared in court for the first time today.

Simon Richardson, 44, from Porthcawl, South Wales, who won two gold medals and one silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was airlifted to hospital with multiple injuries after apparently being struck by a van while out cycling earlier this summer.

The incident happened on the A48 near Bridgend on August 17.

Richardson, who was awarded an MBE for his cycling success, will miss the London 2012 Paralympics as a result of his injuries. Doctors have told him it could be up to three years before he is fully recovered.

Edward Adams, 60, of Cross Farm, Cowbridge, South Wales, alleged to have been driving the Peugeot Partner van, appeared at Barry Magistrates' Court today charged with dangerous driving, drink-driving and failing to stop after an accident.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction of the case and adjourned the matter until January 18 2012 to the same court. When Adams next appears his case will be formally sent to Cardiff Crown Court. He was released on conditional bail.