A factory worker today avoided jail after causing the death of his colleague as they had 'playful banter'.
Gareth Robbins, 33, was handed an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months after admitting to causing death by careless driving.
His workmate Paul Heenan, 40, suffered 'catastrophic injuries' in April 2020 when he was knocked over while cycling home as Robbins pulled up alongside him in his car.
The pair were both travelling on a road in Ebbw Vale, Wales and had been joking about Mr Heenan using a bicycle to get fit while gyms were closed in lockdown.
But as Robbins said goodbye and went to overtake the father-of-two, contact was made between the handlebars of Mr Heenan's bike and Robbins' Peugeot 208, a court heard.
Mr Heenan, who was not wearing a helmet, lost his balance and suffered a severe brain injury. He died in hospital the following day.
His widow Rebecca this afternoon broke down in tears as she gave an emotional statement in court.
She said: 'Our children didn't just lose their father that day, they lost their mother as well.
'Their fun-loving mother is no longer and never will be again... I never wake from this nightmare, I live it every day and I grieve every day. My future without him terrifies me.'
Paul Heenan with his wife Rebecca and young children Olivia and Cody
Mr Heenan's wife Rebecca sobbed in court as she expressed her turmoil over his death
She continued: 'We loved each other's company and in 22 years we never spent a day apart.
'He was the most amazing person I had the pleasure of knowing. He had the kindest of hearts and was loved by everyone who knew him.
'The love I had for Paul just grew stronger seeing him with our children. It's always been his dream to be a father and he was the most devoted Daddy.
'Apart from work and the gym, he spent every waking moment with his children. His world revolved around them.'
Describing her husband's death,
