Two drivers who killed a cyclist while racing on the road and then blamed each other have been jailed.
Hartlepool’s 49-year-old Graham Pattinson was thrown 40 meters into the air after being knocked off his bicycle while riding an A689 bicycle near Sedgefield, Durham County, on July 24, 2020.
Judge Jonathan Carroll said the married father of two did nothing wrong when he was hit by a 24-year-old Paige Robinson’s Ford Fiesta.
She was distracted by an ongoing road rage with former Army officer David Ferry, 47, and was trying to take an Audi TT when she crashed into Mr Pattison’s rear at about 70 miles per hour. , heard the court in Teesside Crown.
Both denied the charge of causing death by dangerous driving, but were convicted after a trial in which prosecutors said each accused was equally guilty.
Robinson of Billingham wept during the sentence, as she was in prison for seven years and nine months on Wednesday, while Ferry of Redcar was sentenced to eight years for failing to stop at the scene.
Pattison’s widow, Victoria, said she had lost her soulmate for 30 years and their two daughters a loving father.
In court, she said: “This kind of loss does not discriminate, it can happen to anyone.
“Please remember this when you sit behind the wheel of your car.”
Judge Carroll said Pattison and his family were deprived of a future together “because of this pointless, unnecessary and terribly dangerous driving.”
Former Army officer David Ferry did not stop after cyclist Graham Pattison was hit and later told police he did not know there was a collision.
(Cleveland Police)
It began a few miles before the collision, when Robinson, distracted and singing to music, repeatedly accidentally cut in front of Ferry, the court heard.
Annoyed, Ferry eventually passed her after the two drivers tried to “beat the other,” the judge said.
Robinson was prompted by her friend, who was not on the dock but should share some blame for the tragedy, the judge said.
A little later, Robinson caught up and was determined to pass Ferry, overtaking him as he tested her on the brakes.
She tried to take Ferry, who turned away from her, moments before crashing into Pattison, causing catastrophic injuries.
Ferry went home and told police he did not know there was a collision, a statement rejected by the judge.
Paige Robinson, 24, was motivated by her boyfriend, who is supposed to share some guilt, a judge said.
(Cleveland Police)
Martin Sharp, for Robinson, said the former Billingham health worker was deeply regretted.
He said: “Her life has been a nightmare and she must take full responsibility for what she has done.”
Dan Cordy, for Ferry, said he had been exemplary before, adding: “He is horrible, in his own words, and heartbroken about what happened.”
The judge banned both drivers from driving to cover their prison sentences and parole periods.
Outside the court, Cleveland Police Sergeant Catherine Isley said: “The offenders blamed each other for the clash that killed Mr Pattison, but as the court heard, they drove with complete disregard for other road users.
“Their selfish actions had catastrophic consequences.”
Earlier, Pattison’s family described him as “a dearly wonderful husband, father and son.”
“We are shocked by his loss and our lives will never be the same without him,” they said.
Additional reports from the Press Association
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