A driver who killed a cyclist in a crash while still drunk from the night before has been jailed.
Paramjit Singh, 28, was driving a Mercedes when he ploughed into cyclist Jordan Gregory, 24, at 2pm on August 9, 2017.
Mr Gregory, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts., died at the scene at the busy junction of Station Road and the A38, Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Singh, of Short Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, had previously admitted causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed drink drive limit.
He was jailed for three years and four months at Nottingham Crown Court on February 8.
Singh was also given a three-and-a-half year driving ban and must take an extended driving test upon his release.
Tests showed that Singh was over the drink drive limit at the time of the collision.
He had an alcohol level of around 43 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit being 35 micrograms.
It was also calculated that Singh was driving at a speed in the region of 52mph at the time of the collision in a 50mph zone.
Detective Sergeant Adam Cooper, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This collision could have been avoided had Paramjit Singh shown any respect for the law and other road users and made the responsible decision not to drive after drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
“He was not honest with himself or the police about the amount of alcohol he’d drunk the previous evening and was still over the limit at the time of the crash at around 2pm.
“It was agreed between the prosecution and defence that Singh was travelling at 52 to 55mph which, although only just over the 50mph limit at the location, was wholly inappropriate for a busy junction.
“His actions will impact on the family of Jordan Gregory and everyone who witnessed the collision for many, many years.
“This case serves as a reminder to all of how drinking in the evening can still leave you above the limit the following day.
“It reminds people that if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a serious collision as a driver, you will be held accountable for your actions.
“I ask people to consider honestly, when driving, whether they are fit to be driving and whether their manner of driving is appropriate for the conditions.
“The consequences can have a widespread and devastating impact.
“I’d like to thank all those who stopped at the scene and did their best to help Jordan and also assisted with our investigation.
“I would also like to acknowledge the dignity and patience his family have shown throughout our investigation.”
Jordan’s mum Joanne said: “My life is very different now without Jordan, I miss him every second of every day. I will never see his smile again.
“We shared a very special mother and son bond which can never be broken.
“He was the perfect son, one that any mum could ever wish for.
“He was loving and kind and I feel very lucky for the 24 years that I had him for.
“He was loved dearly by all the family and we all miss him immensely. I will love and miss you forever my beautiful boy.
“Paramjit Singh has destroyed our lives.
“We wish to thank all the people that helped Jordan and were there to comfort him.
“We are forever grateful and you will always be in our thoughts.
“We would like to appeal to drivers not to drink and drive. Your actions destroy lives and families.
“We also wish to thank the police and court for their support throughout this awful time in our lives.”
By Mark Cardwell
