A hit-and-run driver who caused the death of a champion cyclist in Stanford-le-Hope has been jailed for five years.

Marios Theoklitou, from Hertford, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court for sentencing after pleading guilty at a hearing in October to causing death by dangerous driving.

Brian Hawkbridge, 66, from Dartford, was taking part in a cycle time-trial on the A13 on September 9, 2001, when he was struck from behind by Theoklitou's Mercedes on the Southend-bound track of the A13 near the Manorway junction at Stanford-le-Hope.

The former British Master cycling champion was pronounced dead at the scene but Theoklitou, 47, didn't stay - he was found by police an hour later.

The Cypriot-born British national was also banned from driving for seven years.

Published Friday, January 24, 2003

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