Family of cyclist killed by drink driver condemn court'shambles'

THE devastated family of a cyclist hit and killed by a drink driver have branded the court process a "shambles".

- Paul Jeeves

Ali Reza Ghaisar, 48, was left to die in the road in July 2022 after Vicky Hardy struck him with her BMW in Sunderland before leaving the scene.

She had consumed five pints and a shot of spirits before climbing behind the wheel and smashing into Mr Ghaisar at 1.20am.

Following the volunteer translator's death, his family shared a moving tribute, describing him as "one of a kind".

Respect

Hardy was jailed for six years at a hearing earlier this year after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.

The family said that the subsequent court case proved a horrific ordeal that left them feeling like "nobodies".