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A delivery driver who lost control of a work van and fatally hit a cyclist on a straight stretch of road in regional Victoria has been jailed for four months. Timothy Joel Scott, 34, was sent to prison and given a two-year community correction order in the County Court on Thursday, over the death of James Freeman in 2017. Scott previously pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving causing death. He had left the NSW border town of Yarrawonga before hitting Mr Freeman, who had been riding with his best mate on their final day of a cycling trip in Victoria's alpine region. "It is not suggested that you deliberately or recklessly set out to cause his death but your conduct in driving the way you did has meant the loss of a father and a friend," magistrate Claire Quin said in sentencing. "The consequences of your conduct were grave. As a result of your inattention, a man has lost his life through no fault of his own. There are no winners in cases like this." Scott, employed by a food supplier, saw the cyclists ahead on Benalla-Yarrawonga Road about 4.20pm on March 24 and moved to the right to give them room. He told police he "momentarily lost control of the vehicle" after the van pulled to the right and he took evasive action. "I must have overcorrected and run into the bike on the side," Scott told police. Prosecutors said Scott was familiar with the road and could have safely overtaken the cyclists had he been paying attention. "You were travelling at a minimum of 84 km/h in a 100 km/h zone," Ms Quin noted. Graeme Staples, who had been riding ahead of Mr Freeman, heard an "almighty bang". Mr Freeman was thrown about 35 metres and landed face up on the road before Mr Staples, Scott and other drivers went to his aid. He died at the scene. Speaking generally, Mr Quin scolded drivers for their inattention which too often resulted in the accidental deaths of cyclists on the roads. Scott must complete 75 hours of voluntary work as part of his court order and has also been disqualified from driving for at least 18 months. Australian Associated Press

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