Distracted Driver Sentenced for Cyclist’s Death
A West Sussex motive force has been sentenced to 6 years in jail following the tragic lack of life of a bicycle proprietor.
David Breen, a 26-12 months-vintage from Chichester, became struck by means of a car on the A286 Main Road in Birdham at about 8:00 PM BST on October 26, 2021, whilst cycling domestic from a football in shape. The reason force, Terry Varndell, 37, were using his cellphone for texting and calls simply before the collision, in step with Sussex Police.
At Portsmouth Crown Court, Varndell, of North Street, Portsmouth, turned into observed responsible with the aid of using a jury of inflicting loss of existence with the aid of unstable driving. In addition to his prison sentence, Varndell has been disqualified from using for eight years and could want to skip an extended the use of take a look at before he can electricity again. Authorities additionally found out that Varndell, a former refuse employee, have become now not insured to power his Vauxhall Zafira.
In a declaration, David Breen’s own family described him as “funny, being involved, geared up with the banter, cheeky, cute, and constantly at the move,” and expressed that hearing the records of his demise changed into the “toughest day of our lives.”
Detective Sergeant Ian Foxton commented, “Sadly, David by no means made it domestic that night, and his dying has left a protracted-lasting impact on his circle of relatives and loved ones. This case highlights the immoderate consequences of the usage of while distracted. We are relieved that justice has been served and that a risky using force has been eliminated from our roads.”
