A biker has appeared in court accused of killing a hip-hop dancer who performed with Ed Sheeran when she was thrown from his back seat.
Lousha Liddell, 25, was on the back of Jordan Spartan's bike when he hit a Honda Civic on Garratt Lane in Earlsfield, south west London on January 3 2024.
Ms Liddell was airlifted to hospital but died the following day.
Known as Lady-Lousha in the industry, the hip-hop dancer was a creative director at the BBC and ITV in film, television and stage productions.
Ms Liddell, originally from Cardiff, joined singer Ed Sheeran on stage as a dancer at the BRIT Awards 2022.
Her friend Spartan, 43, was also injured in the crash, and is now accused of one charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
Wearing all black, Spartan, of Richmond, appeared in the dock at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court today, speaking only to confirm his personal details.
The driver of the Honda Civic, who collided with the motorbike, was arrested for one count of drug driving.
He will appear at Kingston Crown Court on September 26.
Prosecutor Amanda McCabe said no pleas would be taken at this stage, and asked JPs for Spartan to appear at Kingston Crown Court on the same day as the Honda driver, which was denied.
Ros Olleson, defending, asked for an adjournment as “no papers had been uploaded onto common platform” which meant evidence was missed, including expert road traffic reports.
Ms Olleson said: “It is impossible to advise him about his plea as a result,” and that there are over 200 pages of evidence to be reviewed.
Magistrate Karen Carey asked why the bundle had not been served, to which Ms McCabe said: “It was due to the size of it.”
Spartan was released on unconditional bail, and will next appear at Kingston Crown Court on October 6.
In a GoFundMe page set up to help pay for her funeral, Ms Liddell's friend Chilli Sanders said her death has “sent ripples through the dance community and beyond”.
Another friend said: “Lousha Liddell from the moment I met you I loved you to bits, followed your journey to university and the amazing accomplishments you've made.
“I'm heartbroken, heartbroken for your beautiful mum Joanna Stokes and your entire family.
“I am at a loss. You were and will forever be a beautiful soul.”
Another friend said: “Rest beautifully Lousha, I'll miss you and our talks. I still have all your voice notes full of relationship advice. God knows I've had them on repeat just to hear your voice.
“We had made so many plans and never got to do any of them, either you were busy or I was too sick or anxious.
“I really hope you're at peace, I'm so proud of you and everything you achieved despite the hurdles.”
