A 91-year-old woman who died after a collision with a black cab was “tossed in the air and did a somersault” in the accident, a court heard.

Renee Peett, from Highbury, died two days after the incident on Waterloo Bridge in October 2011 left her with a shattered pelvis and broken spine.

The taxi driver, Noel Cameron, of Sixth Avenue, Manor Park, was accused of causing death by careless driving. at Inner London Crown Court on Monday January 28.

Paul Ayling, who was cycling along the bridge at the time, told the court: “She was tossed in the air, pretty much did a somersault, then came to rest in the bus lane.”

Opening the case for the prosecution, Hamish Reid told the jury: “There is no dispute that Mr Cameron was driving and there is no dispute that he collided with Renee Peett and she eventually died of injuries sustained.

“What is in dispute and what you all need to decide is whether he was driving with due care and attention.

“Whatever your decision he will need to live with what happened for the rest of his life.”

Cameron was heading south across the bridge, taking a teenage passenger from his school in north London to Fulham FC training ground at about 5.30pm on October 3 2011.

Ms Peett, who had health problems, dementia and used a walking stick, tried to cross the road.

Mr Cameron stopped at the scene and was “clearly shocked and distressed”.

He was arrested by police and when interviewed claimed Ms Peett stepped out, walked slowly and was unaware of the traffic.

The trial continues.