THE wife of a cyclist killed during a car chase has spoken of her relief now the court case is over.

Earlier this month five men were sentenced to a total of 40 years in prison for the manslaughter of 51-year-old Graham Thwaites, who died after he was knocked down by a Mitsubishi Shogun racing another car in Leesons Hill, Orpington.

Mr Thwaites was minutes away from his St Paul’s Cray home on September 18 in 2008 as he cycled back from work.

Reflecting on the sentencing, his wife Hazel said: “All I can say is that it was very satisfying to sit there when their sentences were read out and I feel what the judge gave them was fair and justified.

“It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

“We live and take each day as it comes. It’s obviously been a long time, nearly two years.

“It doesn’t make it any easier but you have a final outcome.

“It’s not going to bring Graham back but at least he’s got some justice.”

Pre-school assistant Mrs Thwaites, 46, was married to Graham for 23 years.

The mum-of-two said: “He was a brilliant family man, he liked nothing better than being with his family.

“He was always laughing and telling gags. He was taken too early.

“He was a fun and loving guy.

Mr Thwaites, an administrator at Lloyd’s TSB, also leaves behind a son Nick, 22 and daughter Laura, 19.

Read our coverage of the sentencing here.