Matthew Terrance O’Connor jailed for killing cyclist Peter McGuffie

A DRUG addict driver who hit and killed a cyclist, then fled the scene, could be free from jail in a little more than two years.

28-year-old Matthew Terrance O’Connor

A DRUG addict driver who hit and killed a cyclist, then fled the scene, could be free from jail in a little more than two years.

Matthew Terrance O’Connor, 28, was today jailed for five years in Victoria’s County Court for the killing of Peter McGuffie in West Footscray on June 23 last year.

He was ordered to serve a minimum three years in jail but has already spent 324 days behind bars.

O’Connor, who has a deplorable driving history, including having left the scene of an accident once before, was charged with culpable driving causing death, which holds a 20-year maximum.

But he later pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of dangerous driving causing death, where the maximum sentence is 10 years jail.

The father of one also pleaded guilty to failing to stop and render assistance, committing an indictable offence while on bail, and driving while disqualified.

Handing down the sentence, Judge Peter Wischusen told Mr McGuffie’s family it would not reflect their loss, pain and suffering.

O’Connor was driving while suspended — and admitted to police he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol — when he struck Mr McGuffie from behind on Barkly St at 3.15pm.

His ute then smashed into another motorist, pushing their car for 57m, before he turned down Argyle St, where he dumped his car and fled.

He even removed his overalls so he could not be recognised.

Police found him hiding under a blanket at his father’s Heidelberg home the next day.

He told them he fled the scene as he was “just freaking out”.

Flowers were left at the scene where Peter McGuffie was struck and killed. Picture: David Smith

The scaffolder had been working at a construction site in Moonee Ponds and claimed he was out picking up further materials when the crash happened.

Witnesses described his driving as erratic and saw him swerving from left to right.

Mr McGuffie, 54, a New Zealand national, was wearing a fluorescent jacket and other rider safety gear. Passers-by raced to his side, but his injuries were so severe and he died at the scene.

Mr McGuffie’s family sat in silence as O’Connor read out an apology letter he had written to them.

“I am writing this letter to you to apologise and let you know how truly sorry I am,” O’Connor said. “It was truly an accident and I am truly sorry.”

He went on to apologise for taking away their loved one for future family events and milestones such as birthdays and Christmases.

“It hurts me knowing the pain I’ve caused,” he said. “I just want you to know I’m truly sorry for what I’ve done to your family.

“I can’t imagine how hard it is for you.”

Mr McGuffie’s family did not wish to comment outside court.