A driver who killed a grandfather - described as “a big friendly giant” - in a tragic hit-and-run has been jailed for 15 months.

Ross Bryant and his two passengers fled from the scene, leaving victim Martin Ginnelly in his car, which had flipped onto its side.

It happened just two minutes from 56-year-old Mr Ginnelly’s home in New Ash Green on November 28 last year when it had rained heavily.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Bryant, 26, had been out “lamping” (hunting rabbits) in his Ford Explorer 4x4 car when the crash happened just after midnight.

His car shot across the junction with North Ash Road and West Yoke Road and smashed into Mr Ginnelly’s Ford Ka on Ash Road.

Prosecutor John O’Higgins said the victim, a gas company yard foreman, was found to be three times the legal alcohol limit but was not at fault.

Both cars had substantial damage. Neither had any defects which contributed to the collision, although the Explorer, which had been bought that day, would have failed an MOT because of faulty seatbelts.

“There is nothing to suggest the Ford Ka was not travelling in a correct line or within the speed limit,” said Mr O’Higgins.

“There was a give way sign which would have been illuminated in the Explorer’s headlights. The Ka would have been there to be seen.”

Bryant was traced by police through the previous owner of his car. He claimed he fled from the scene because he had no insurance.

He sent a text to his girlfriend telling her to lie about his whereabouts and another to one of his teenage passengers telling him to say the crash happened after one of their dogs jumped into his lap.

Mr O’Higgins said it was “a pack of lies he persisted with”.

He did, however, confess he was ashamed he had not stopped to check on Mr Ginnelly.

The father-of-two, of James Road, Dartford, admitted causing death by careless driving, failing to stop after an accident and having no insurance when he appeared for a plea and trial preparation hearing today.

Jailing him and banning him from driving for 32 months, Judge Philip Statman said he showed “wholly irresponsible behaviour” by fleeing from the accident and then trying to cover up what happened.

“I accept there may well have been panic within you but you could have pulled over, you could have helped,” he said. “You did absolutely nothing and that was wholly shameful.”

Judge Statman said it was impossible to describe the effect of Mr Ginnelly’s untimely death on his family.

Bryant will serve half the sentence in custody, less a month spent on tagged curfew.

The court heard a new give way sign had been installed at the junction since the accident.

Mr Ginnelly’s daughter and one of his two sons sat in the public gallery as the judge explained that the maximum sentence he could impose was two years.

The victim, married for 32 years, was described as a “big friendly giant” and “much-loved, highly-respected and hard working”.

Two victim impact statements from his widow Sandra, who could not bear to attend court, and daughter Agnes, were read out.

Mrs Ginnelly said she had to learn how to “walk, talk and breathe again” as her husband was her whole life.

Agnes stated her father was the “centre pole and protector” of their family.