The man who killed a cyclist after crashing into him with his van has had his sentence extended.

A court heard last year that Joseph Bills, 22, was under the influence of alcohol when he smashed into 35 year old David Thorman.

The solicitor general Robert Buckland QC MP referred his original sentence of three years and four months in prison to the Court of Appeal for being unduly lenient.

The sentence had been reduced from five years for an early guilty plea.

Appeal judges agreed it was too lenient and increased his sentence to four years and four months.

Bills left the scene after he struck the cyclist, despite him still be alive. He then returned an hour later where he turned himself into police.

A prepared statement the morning after the crime, Bills admitted to drinking beer and Sambuca before driving, as well as cocaine the night before.

Police confirmed he was one and a half times over the alcohol limit.

Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General said: "A man’s life was ended abruptly because of Joseph Bills’ totally avoidable recklessness.

"The original sentence neglected to take into account the severity of the crime as well as the offender’s actions directly after he committed it.

"I’m pleased that the Court of Appeal has extended his sentence. I hope that this brings some solace to the victim’s family."