ST PAUL'S CRAY: Graham Thwaites killers sentenced to total of 40 years in prison

Graham Thwaites, aged 51, of St Paul's Cray, suffered fatal injuries when his bicycle was struck by a Mitsubishi Shogun that was racing another car on September 18, 2008, in Leesons Hill, Orpington.

Andrew Carlisle, Shane Webb, William Dennard, George Webb and David Cook were all found guilty of manslaughter following an Old Bailey trial.

The court heard how Carlisle was driving a Shogun while the other four were in a Vauxhall Vectra.

Dennard, Cook and the Webbs were trying to find Carlisle following a dispute over the sale of a Rottweiler puppy.

The court heard both cars were speeding at between 50 and 60mph in Leesons Hill, a two-lane road with a 30mph limit.

Mr Thwaites was in the centre of the road about to turn right into Highfield Road but did not make it across as he was hit by the Shogun.

The impact caused him to be carried up over the bonnet, striking a high wall at the corner of Highfield Road.

He died in hospital later that evening.

Both vehicles left the scene without stopping to help Mr Thwaites.

Shane Webb, aged 24, of Osbourne Road, Dartford, was sentenced to 12 years while Carlisle, aged 35, of Horning Close, Mottingham, was given an 11-year sentence.

Dennard, aged 24, of Ridgeway, Dartford, and George Webb, aged 27, of Montbretia Close, St Mary Cray, each received a six-year sentence.

Cook, aged 24, of Lamberhurst Close, Orpington, was jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Mr Thwaites’ widow Hazel said: “This senseless act of driving cost Graham his life, he is missed by all of his family and friends."

Detective Inspector Mark Cam, from the road death investigation unit, said today: "They all drove dangerously, recklessly, above the speed limit and without any consideration for members of the public.

"This wasn't simply a case of bad driving, it was manslaughter and I am pleased with today's sentences.”