A driver using his phone to check a map has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison for crashing into and fatally injuring a bike rider in Glengarry, Gippsland last year.
Vivian Stockhil, 44, a veterinarian on the way to a job along a country road, was distracted by using his phone and drifted across to the other side of the road, where he struck the oncoming rider.
Riding along Bassett’s Lane that day was Leslie Camilleri, 76, of Traralgon, an enthusiastic rider who cycled every day. He was flown to hospital but died later that day.
The court was told that Stockhil was driving at 80km/h at the time of the collision. His vehicle was not fitted with a phone cradle.
He stayed at the scene and called emergency services.
An examination of Stockil’s phone showed it had been used to search Google Maps immediately prior to the crash.
Stockil pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death.
Judge Peter Rozen said Mr Camilleri’s death was highly preventable and that use of a mobile phone other than in a hands-free mode was incompatible with the safe operation of a vehicle.
In sentencing Stockhil, Judge Rozen took account of his early guilty plea, genuine remorse and significant character references.
Stockil was sentenced to two years and six months in custody with a non-parole period of 13 months and his driver's licence was also cancelled.
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