A dangerous driver who used his mobile phone at the wheel killed a cyclist in a hit-and-run.

Terry Varndell used his phone for texts and calls in the moments before striking cyclist David Breen in Chichester.

The 37-year-old then failed to stop at the scene of the collision on the A286 Main Road at Birdham on October 26, 2021.

Mr Breen, 26, who was cycling home after playing football, died at the scene minutes later.

Varndell was not insured to drive his Vauxhall Zafira.

Other motorists had seen Mr Breen cycling with lights on along the straight road and they all passed him safely.

But phone records showed Varndell had made numerous texts and calls while driving.

It included calls in the moments immediately before the collision.

At Portsmouth Crown Court Varndell, formerly a refuse worker of Middleton Close, Bracklesham Bay, was found guilty by a jury of causing death by dangerous driving.

Varndell was not insured to drive his Vauxhall Zafira.Varndell was not insured to drive his Vauxhall Zafira. (Image: Sussex Police)

On Monday, August 5, he was sentenced to six years in prison, was disqualified from driving for eight years with a requirement to complete an extended driving test before he would be allowed to drive again.

Mr Breen, originally from County Kerry in Ireland, had been living in Chichester.

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His family described how he was optimistic about moving into a new flat.

In a victim statement his mother Anne Breen, father Anthony, and brothers Shane and Anthony, described how they still feel raw about the incident.

They said hearing the news was the “hardest day of our lives”.

David was “funny, caring, ready with the banter, cheeky, lovable and always on the go” they said.

David Breen died at the sceneDavid Breen died at the scene (Image: Sussex Police)

Detective Sergeant Ian Foxton said: “Varndell drove dangerously and failed to show adequate awareness of David Breen who was cycling home.

“Sadly, David never made it home that night, and his death has had a lasting impact on his family and loved ones.

“We know that driving while distracted such as by using a mobile phone is one of the ‘fatal five’ behaviours that lead to people being killed on our roads.

Terry Varndell has been jailedTerry Varndell has been jailed (Image: Sussex Police)

“This case shows the pain and heartache that being distracted and driving dangerously can cause.

“We were determined to get justice for David’s family and are pleased that a dangerous driver has been taken off our roads.

“But our work to warn others about the dangers of using a mobile phone, as well as the other ‘fatal five’ factors continues 24/7, every day of the year.

 “This case demonstrates the devastating consequences of being distracted behind the wheel."