A WOMAN who was texting and talking on her mobile phone for more than half an hour as she drove to a hairdresser appointment before fatally striking a cyclist at Kings Park has been jailed for three years.

Curtin University associate professor Paola Ferroni, 70, died in hospital four days after she was hit from behind by Joanne Leigh Lawrence’s 4WD, which was travelling at about 60km/h, in November 2014.

Defence lawyer Gary Massey told the West Australian District Court on Friday that his client was looking at roses on a median strip at the time of the collision.

But Prosecutor Bradley Hollingsworth said Lawrence, 42, had been sending text messages and making phone calls illegally before the crash and her inattention must have been prolonged because another driver behind her could see Dr Ferroni.

Judge Richard Keen found that the story about the roses was an attempt to minimise her culpability.

The victim, who was wearing a high-vis top and helmet, was thrown into the air on impact with the front bumper.

Lawrence repeatedly said “I’ve killed someone” after the crash, the court was told.

Mr Massey said his client had a history of mental-health problems and her decision-making was impaired at the time of the crash.

She was remorseful and was of previous good character.

“Ms Lawrence accepts that her actions have caused irreparable harm,” he said.

“She accepts that there is nothing she can do or say ... (to) bring back Dr Ferroni.

“The only thing she can do is make amends.”

Camera Icon Dr Rosemary Coates (left) and her partner Paola Ferroni, who died after she was hit by a 4WD while cycling in Kings Park in November 2014. Credit: Supplied, Supplied.

The mother-of-two, who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, cried during submissions.

Judge Keen said there was an enormous amount of carnage on the roads and general deterrence was important.

He said Dr Ferroni’s death was a loss to the community and also made reference to the effects on the her family and partner.

Judge Keen accepted that Lawrence had genuine grief, was remorseful and empathetic, and was of previous good character.

In a statement released through her lawyer on Friday, Ms Lawrence said she was “very acutely aware that it is unfair for me to go on living”.

“I did not anticipate that the consequences of my actions would be as they are,” she said.

“I have spent every day since my driving caused the death of Paola Ferroni wishing that I had done things differently.

“If there is one thing that I think I can do, it is to warn others not to use their mobile telephone while driving.

“To do so has the potential for the individual concerned to end up in my position ... I will have to live with the guilt for the rest of my life.

“Please, if you are a person who uses your mobile telephone while driving, think about the potential harm your actions may have on others.

“I would hate for others to go through what Dr Ferroni and her friends and family have had to endure.”

Lawrence will be eligible for parole after serving 18 months behind bars.

She also had her driver’s licence disqualified for three years.