A driver who killed a boy on a bicycle after trying to overtake him in his car has been jailed.
Rory Panton, 23, was trying to drive past Daniel Bennett, 10, and his dad when he spotted a vehicle coming in the opposite direction and aborted the attempt.
But as he cut back into his lane, he struck the boy's bicycle which sent him into a ditch and caused him serious head injuries, reports Herts Live.
The boy was airlifted to hospital following the incident in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, and died one week later.
Panton, of Harlow, Essex, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to two years and three months in jail at St Albans Crown Court on Monday.
He was also disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to take an extended test.
The tragedy occurred on Obrey Way during a Sunday afternoon in March 2020.
Daniel was out cycling with his dad when a Vauxhall Corsa, being driven by Panton, approached from behind.
Panton was charged in December 2021 following an investigation by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Serious Collision Investigation Unit.
DC Ben Amondsen, who led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts very much remain with Daniel’s family and friends at what continues to be an extremely difficult time.
"Nothing will ever make up for the loss of a much-loved little boy who had a bright future ahead of him. The judge described it as one of the saddest cases he has dealt with in his 25-year career.
“This tragic incident reinforces the importance of exercising extra care and consideration on the roads, especially around more vulnerable users such as cyclists.
"It’s better to arrive at your destination a few minutes late, than to put someone’s life at risk.”
