David James Hills sentenced over death of Coffs cyclist Phil Almond

A Coffs Harbour man who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, causing the tragic death of a popular cyclist and seriously injuring another rider has avoided jail time despite being convicted of driving while drugged.

The crash took place in the early hours of April 15 when the men were cycling down Central Bucca Rd, Bucca. Photo by Frank Redward.

A Coffs Harbour man who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving that caused the death of popular cyclist Phillip Almond has avoided jail time.

Mr Almond’s friend and fellow cyclist Duncan Elliot was also seriously injured in the horror smash on Central Bucca Road in the early hours of April 15, 2020.

The pair, both aged 47 at the time, were part of a large bunch of riders associated with the Coffs Harbour Cycle Club and were on one of their regular group rides when they were hit by a ute.

David James Hills, 63, was charged after the incident.

Hills pleaded guilty to dangerous driving in relation to the death of Mr Almond and the serious injuries to Mr Elliot.

He was sentenced in Coffs Harbour District Court on Tuesday, November 23.

Hills was given a two-year intensive correction order and was disqualified from driving for two-and-a-half years, backdated to April 15, 2020.

He has also been disqualified from holding a driver‘s/rider’s licence for two years and six months from April 15 last year.

Hills was also convicted for driving with an illicit drug present in his blood and not complying with his licence conditions. No penalty was imposed for the matters.

Mr Almond was known as a talented and passionate cyclist who had won accolades for his natural ability, including the Masters State Criterium Championship in Coffs Harbour.