Overview

• Cain Byrne, 20, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to 11 years and six months’ detention in a young offenders institution, followed by a five-year extended licence period and a 17-year, eight-month driving ban.
• Court footage showed Byrne inhaling nitrous oxide before and after he ignored a red light and struck 81-year-old cyclist Graham Slinn at speeds of up to 80mph, then fled the scene with two passengers.
• Judge Jeremy Richardson KC described nitrous oxide use at the wheel as “an exceptionally dangerous act” and branded Byrne a dangerous offender who requires long-term public protection.
• South Yorkshire Police’s Serious Collisions Unit uncovered the car’s false registration plates, tracked the burned-out Volkswagen to Derbyshire and arrested Byrne on April 12.
• Slinn’s family paid tribute to the retired builder as “kind to his core” and said his death was entirely avoidable just weeks before his 60th wedding anniversary.