An angry cyclist who pushed over an elderly woman in Sydney has been sentenced to a minimum five years in prison for her manslaughter.

Mary Touma, 71, died in hospital in May 2010, two days after falling and hitting her head at Eastlakes in the city's south-east.

Daniel Paul Wood rode past Mrs Touma on a footpath, got off his bike, yelled at her and then pushed her in the chest.

He had accused her of getting in his way.

In the New South Wales District Court, Judge Michael King described the offence as "unprovoked, callous and gratuitous".

"Mrs Touma was an elderly, vulnerable female, going about her daily life, entitled to expect that she would not be confronted and assaulted," he said.

Outside court, Mary Touma's son Joe Thomas - a former rugby league player - criticised the justice system.

"Three and a half years it's taken to get this guy locked up," he said.

"I just don't think the justice system is in tune with the community.

"At some stage, as a community, we've got to stand up and let our politicians know this is unacceptable.

"Mum's death has affected so many people."

Wood was sentenced to a maximum jail term of six years and eight months.