A DRIVER who knocked a cyclist off his bike leading to his death has been sentenced.

Jayne Field, 51, of Cameron Close in Hailsham was found guilty of causing the death of Nathan Hill by careless driving following a trial at Lewes Crown Court on February 3.

She was sentenced to carry out 280 hours of community service over 18 months and disqualified from driving for 14 months.

Field will be required to take an extended retest should she wish to drive again.

Nathan, 51, was cycling home from the gym northbound along London Road in Hailsham on the evening of January 30 2020 when he was struck by a Fiat Punto which pulled out in front of him from Grovelands Road.

He fell into the path of an ongoing bus, which was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, Nathan's family said: "Nathan has been described by his friends as ‘Mr Hailsham’; loved by everyone who knew him, and there were a lot of people who did. I don’t think he truly knew how well thought of and loved he was an unassuming, kind, and gentle man who would help anyone.

"We still cannot believe that Nate is no longer with us. We talk to him, and we see him and hear him. To not do so would be too painful.

"The sudden loss of Nathan has impacted us all incredibly as a family. It has impacted on daily life, work and leisure, and grieving continues on a daily, hourly basis; it is sometimes as raw as it was on the first night.

"He was honest, loyal and kind, and we, his family and his friends, are so immensely sad that he is no longer here. He leaves a huge painful hole in our hearts. He was taken from us, his friends and family, the people he was yet to meet, far, far too soon."

Detective Sergeant Neil Cox from Sussex Police's serious collision investigation unit said: "This was a tragic incident which has impacted all those involved.

"I would like to remind people of the new changes to the Highway Code. This highlights that those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.

"Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users and it is vital that everyone, not just drivers, fully understand the Highway Code and how their actions can impact others.

"As a driver, think about taking an extra look at junctions before pulling out and as a cyclist, think about what you can to do be seen."

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