Because the reckless motorist was using his phone while driving, he was distracted and caused a tragic collision with a cyclist.
Terry Varndell was texting and calling cyclist David Breen in Chichester just before he got into an altercation.
At the scene of the crash on the A286 Main Road at Birdham, he then did not stop.
Sadly, Mr. Breen, 26, passed away at the scene a few minutes later.
It was not insured for 37-year-old Varndell to drive his Vauxhall Zafira.
Detective Sergeant Ian Foxton, the investigating officer, stated: “This case demonstrates the devastating consequences of distracted driving.”
Varndell, a former Middleton Close, Bracklesham Bay trash worker, was found guilty by a jury at Portsmouth Crown Court of causing death by hazardous driving.
He received a six-year prison sentence, an eight-year driving ban, and an extended driving test requirement before he could get behind the wheel once more.
The events of October 26, 2021, at approximately 8:10 p.m., were described before the court.
Several other drivers saw Mr. Breen riding along the straight route with his lights on, and they all passed him without incident.
However, phone records revealed Varndell had made a lot of calls and texts while operating a vehicle.
Calls made in the brief seconds prior to the crash were included.
Mr. Breen, who was residing in Chichester and was originally from County Kerry in Ireland, was riding his bike home after playing football.
His relatives said he was looking forward to moving into a new apartment.
His father Anthony, brothers Shane and Anthony, and mother Anne Breen all said in a victim statement how sensitive they still feel about what happened.
The “hardest day of our lives” was how they put it when they heard the news.
David was “funny, caring, ready with the banter, cheeky, lovable and always on the go” they said.
Det Sgt Foxton said: “Varndell drove dangerously and failed to show adequate awareness of David Breen who was cycling home.
“Sadly, David never made it home that night, and his death has had a lasting impact on his family and loved ones.
“We know that driving while distracted such as by using a mobile phone is one of the ‘fatal five’ behaviours that lead to people being killed on our roads.
“This case shows the pain and heartache that being distracted and driving dangerously can cause.
“We were determined to get justice for David’s family, and are pleased that a dangerous driver has been taken off our roads.
“But our work to warn others about the dangers of using a mobile phone, as well as the other ‘fatal five’ factors continues 24/7, every day of the year.”
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