Woman, 24, is jailed for 30 months after killing cyclist, 80, in herFord Ka on dual-carriageway while chatting to sister on WhatsApp

A heavily-pregnant woman was jailed for two and a half years today for killing an 80-year-old cyclist while talking to her sister on Whatsapp.

Paige Blake, 24, was driving in her red Ford Fiesta while chatting on the instant messaging app when she clipped Freddie Oborne's bike on the A414 dual carriageway near Hatfield House.

Mr Oborne, from Hertford who was a keen athlete who competed in cycling events and triathlons, died at the scene at around a quarter past midday on Monday April 20 last year.

Hertfordshire police initially arrested Blake at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving and was released under investigation before being charged.

Blake, of Longwood Road, Hertford, pleaded guilty at St Albans crown court to causing death by dangerous driving and was jailed for two and a half years.

Women who give birth in prison can keep their baby for the first 18 months in a mother and baby unit.

For prisoners with sentences of 18 months or over, arrangements are normally made for the child to be cared for outside prison.

Blake is likely to serve half of her sentence - 15 months - before being released on licence to serve the rest of her sentence in the community.

Judge Michael Kay QC banned her from driving for 4 years and 3 months. Veteran triathlete Freddie Oborne had two daughters, a son and seven grandchildren.

A spokesperson for the family said at the time: '[Freddie] is survived by his two daughters Caroline and Lucy and son James.

'He was a grandfather of seven grandchildren - Conor, Chloe, Freddie, Molly, Otis, Kitty and George and great-granddaughter, Isabella.

'Freddie was an experienced triathlete and continued to compete up until his untimely death.

'Freddie will be sadly missed, and hearts are aching and will never be mended as he was out best friend, father and grandfather.

'He will be with our mum who he nursed through cancer until she died five years ago and missed madly everyday. Our only consolation is that he is with her.'

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