Driver who killed cyclist sentenced to community work

File photo / NZH

A 45-year-old Marton man whose car hit a cyclist, killing her, has been sentenced to 175 hours' community work.

Christopher David McClelland appeared in Feilding District Court for sentencing after earlier pleading guilty to careless driving causing death.

Last November McClelland drove into Patricia Anne Veronica Fraser, 34, from Longburn near Palmerston North, who was cycling with her best friend. Both were training to take part in the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.

The pair were riding single file along State Highway 3 near Mount Stewart when McClelland's car, which was travelling in the same direction, collided with Ms Fraser, police said.

McClelland was sentenced to 175 hours of community work and was disqualified from driving for 10 months.

- NZPA