Two drivers who killed a cyclist in a road rage incident have been jailed by a judge who said they were guilty of “dangerous and unnecessary driving”.
Graham Pattison, a father of two and married for 49 years, was hit by Paige Robinson’s Ford Fiesta while racing with David Ferry at 70 mph.
The victim was sent 40 meters by air when he was thrown from his bicycle on the A689 motorway near Sedgefield, County Durham, in July 2020.
Judge Jonathan Carroll said Mr. Pattison had done nothing wrong and that Robinson, 24, had been distracted by an ongoing road rage incident with Ferry, 47, a former Army officer. of Redcar.
Teesside Crown Court learned he was trying to start his Audi TT when he drove in the back of Mr. Pattison at about 70 mph.
Robinson and Ferry denied the charge of causing death by dangerous driving, but were convicted after a trial, during which prosecutors said all defendants had the same guilt.
Former Robinson, who sobbed throughout the sentence, was jailed for seven years and nine months, while Ferry was sentenced to eight years for not stopping at the scene.
Mr Pattison’s widow, Victoria, said she had lost her 30-year-old twin soul and her two daughters a loving father.
He told the court, “This kind of loss doesn’t discriminate, it can happen to anyone. Remember it when you get behind the wheel of your car.”
Judge Carroll said Pattison and his family had been deprived of a future together “because of this dangerous, unnecessary and horrible driving.”
Image: Graham Pattison, a 49-year-old father of two and married, was hit by Paige Robinson’s Ford Fiesta
“Robinson must take full responsibility for what he did”
Robinson, of Billingham, was also incited by her boyfriend, who was not in the dock, but should share some guilt over the tragedy, the judge said.
He tried to deal with Ferry, who swerved towards her, moments before crashing into Mr. Pattison, causing him catastrophic injuries.
Martin Sharpe, for Robinson, said she was deeply remorseful.
He said: “His life has been a nightmare and he has to take full responsibility for what he did.”
Dan Cordey, who represented Ferry, said he had an exemplary character before and added: “He is horrified, in his own words, and heartbroken by what happened.”
The judge banned the two drivers from driving to cover their prison sentences and early release period.
Out of court, Cleveland Police Sergeant Catherine Iley said: count the other road users.
“His selfish actions had catastrophic consequences.”