A DRIVER who crashed into a cyclist in Canvey while driving over double the speed limit has been jailed for more than three years.

Gavin Featherstone, 26, was driving on Canvey Road at 6.10am when his car struck Petru Barticel, who had been travelling home on his bike from work.

Featherstone had been driving in excess of 70 mph, when the speed limit on the road was 30mph.

Mr Barticel had cycled out of Charfleets Service Road shortly before the incident happened.

He was thrown from his bike and landed on the road, and sadly died from his injuries at the scene, despite efforts from courageous passers-by to save his life.

An inquest later found the father and husband had died from multiple injuries after being struck by a car.

Essex Police arrested Featherstone, the driver of the car, and two other men inside the car at the scene on September 15, 2017.

He was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving, and the two other men were eventually released without charge.

Featherstone, of Downham Road, Canvey, appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Monday where he was jailed for 38 months, and was banned from driving for four years and seven months and was ordered to take an extended test.

In a tribute after his death, Petru Barticel's family said: "Petru was a loving father and husband.

"He was a hero and has now become an angel.

"He has left this world and his family too early and many tears have been passed since he has gone."

Investigating officer DC Dawn Shearing, of the Serious Collisions Investigation Team, said: “Petru Barticel was leaving work having finished his night shift when he collided with a speeding vehicle.

“He was knocked off his bike and died at the scene due to his injuries.

“We later found Featherstone was driving at extremely dangerous speeds and it was clear he was travelling at least 40mph over the limit.

“Featherstone has shown remorse and he has always accepted he was the driver, however, he will have to live with the consequences of his actions.

“I would like to thank Mr Barticel’s family for their support and I hope this outcome offers some form of justice to them.”