A TEENAGE motorist has received a suspended prison sentence after killing a cyclist as he flouted the speed limit on a Hampshire road.

Frankie Katciotis, 18, of Greatwood Close in Hythe, appeared at Southampton Crown Court yesterday and admitted causing death by careless driving.

Steven Jones, who had just become a grandfather for the first time, was killed last summer.

The court heard how a Seat Ibiza driven by Katciotis collided with the cyclist at Hilltop, near Beaulieu, as they both travelled towards Beaulieu.

Prosecutors said Katciotis failed to see 61-year-old Mr Jones, from Chapel, Blackfield, and crashed into the back of him.

Police officers investigating the tragedy found that Katciotis was exceeding the 40mph speed limit - despite low sun hampering his visibility.

He was sentenced six months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work.

He was also banned from driving for two years.

Speaking after the case PC Kelly Hargreaves, from the Joint Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This death could have been easily avoided if Katciotis had not driven so irresponsibly and adjusted his driving to suit the road conditions.

“Not only was he travelling above the speed limit, he was doing this while the sun was low, which was significantly affecting his view.

“Drivers have a responsibility to reduce their speeds to fit the driving conditions, but Katciotis refused to do this and as a result a family is left mourning the unnecessary death of a loved one. Our thoughts are with the family of Mr Jones today.”

The accident happened at about 6.45pm on August 12.

Passers-by desperately tried to save Mr Jones's life by performing CPR at the roadside but he died from his injuries in hospital.

In a statement issued at the time his family said: “Steve was a loving husband and had recently become a grandfather for the first time.

“He will be very much missed by his family and friends.”