A driver who killed a cyclist in Melbourne while high on methylamphetamine and other drugs has been sentenced to seven years and 10 months in jail.
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James Twentyman, 30, pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court to culpable driving causing the death of bike rider Harry Papagoras and reckless conduct that injured another driver in a collision in Spotswood on September 12, 2021.
While under the influence of methylamphetamine, Twentyman's Ford Territory crossed Douglas Parade in Spotswood and collided with an oncoming car, injuring a woman who was trapped in her vehicle until emergency services arrived.
Twentyman's car continued and slammed into Mr Papagoras in the bicycle lane. The cyclist was thrown from his bike and seriously injured, later dying in hospital.
In sentencing Twentyman on Tuesday, Judge James Parrish read from Nicole Papagoras' statement that described her late husband as one of the "funniest, kindest, most compassionate and thoughtful beings" she had known.
Twentyman was unhurt and declined medical treatment at scene, with a police officer observing he "appeared very calm and very unaware of what had just occurred".
A blood test later showed he had consumed methylamphetamine, amphetamine and Xanax as well as other drugs before the crash.
A forensic expert said the former plasterer was severely impaired by the "toxic level" of drugs in his system as well as severe sleeplessness, causing him to be effectively asleep at the wheel.
Judge Parrish noted Twentyman had a history of criminal offences, drug and alcohol dependence and mental illness.
He handed Twentyman a non-parole period of four years and eight months.
The offences carried a maximum 20 years imprisonment, but the judge noted the offender's guilty plea, decent prospects of rehabilitation but "scant evidence" of expressed remorse.
With time spent on remand, Twentyman will be eligible for parole in 2026.
Australian Associated Press
