A man who admitted the hit-and-run accident that killed Jamie Symons last year has been jailed for 13 months.

Adam James Bodinnar, 20, of Britannia Avenue, Dartmouth, was sentenced when he appeared at Plymouth Crown Court yesterday, Wednesday, May 30. Bodinnar had admitted causing death by careless driving; causing death while unlicensed and uninsured; and failing to report an accident, at a hearing in April.

Mr Symons was lying in the road when he was struck by Bodinnar’s silver Citroen Saxo on College Way, close to Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, on September 27 last year, the court was told.

Judge Peter Johnson for a total of 13 months, of which he must serve a minimum of six-and-a-half months before being eligible to be released on licence. He was given a two-year driving ban to begin when he is released from prison. He will also be required to take an extended driving test.

After handing out the sentence, Judge Johnson paid tribute to the “dignity" of Mr Symons’ family during proceedings.

For a full report, including comments from Mr Symons’ mother, see Friday’s paper.