Teddy Picton, now 20, from Sully in the Vale of Glamorgan, was sentenced to seven years in youth custody at Cardiff Crown Court after admitting to causing death by dangerous driving.
The crash – in May 2025 – claimed the life of 72-year-old Brad Craven, who was riding his bike near the kerb.
The collision occurred in the Grangetown area of Cardiff while Mr Craven was out for his usual morning ride with his brother.
Dan Jones, prosecuting, told the court: “Mr Craven was 72 years of age and was described as a deeply caring and generous person who used to work as a hospital social worker.
“His wife Janet, who he had been married to for 40 years, passed away a short time earlier.
“Her funeral had yet to take place and was in the process of being planned by Mr Craven.”
The brothers, who were experienced cyclists, had met at 8.15am and were cycling in the Bay area.
Mr Craven was clearly visible according to the prosecutor, who said he was wearing a fluorescent orange high-vis jacket. He also had lights on the front and back of his bike.
Mr Craven died in hospital five weeks after the crash.
Picton had consumed alcohol and cocaine the night before getting behind the wheel of his girlfriend’s Fiat 500.
The court heard that Picton only had a provisional licence and had failed his test weeks earlier.
He agreed to drive because his girlfriend was still ‘intoxicated’ that morning.
Mr Craven’s family described him as a ‘very thoughtful and caring man’ who ‘always put the welfare of others before his own.’
Judge Paul Hobson said: “He was someone who loved cycling, DIY projects, trains, going to gigs with his brother, and had a professional background as a social worker.
“These are just some of the details I have heard about the life of a decent man, which your actions ended.”
Picton was also banned from driving for nine years and eight months.
