THE heartbroken family of killed cyclist have spoken out as two drivers have been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving.

Paige Robinson and David Ferry were both held reponsible when Graham Pattison was thrown through the air when he was hit at speed and suffered catastrophic injuries.

Both defendants blamed each other for the fatal collision following the death of the father-of-two in July 2020.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the pair were so wrapped up in their own road-rage that Robinson failed to see the father-of-two when he was cycling along the A689 towards Hartlepool.

Read more: Two drivers facing jail for killing cyclist following 'road rage' crash

Today, his family has spoken out after two motorists were found guilty of causing his death.

They said: “Graham was a kind, funny, amazing person and our world was a brighter place simply because he was in it. He was a loving husband, dad, son and brother, taken from us all far too soon as a direct result of dangerous driving.

The Northern Echo: Graham PattisonGraham Pattison

“We feel no sense of victory from the verdict yesterday - we are the losers. We lost on the 24th July 2020 and nothing decided in court can change the fact that we have to continue without him for the rest of our lives.

“We take some comfort from knowing that justice has been done and we hope this verdict sends a message to any driver who acts without regard for other road users.

“Decisions made in the heat of the moment while behind the wheel can have devastating consequences for so many people as we know only too well.

“We would like to thank everyone involved in the investigation and the prosecution for their hard work and support throughout this difficult time. Thank you.”

Robinson, 24, of Geranium Close in Billingham and Ferry, 47, of Granville Terrace in Redcar, both denied the charge of causing death by dangerous driving following the fatal collision on July 24, 2020.

The Northern Echo: Graham Pattison, 49, from Hartlepool, died in a crash when he was travelling on his pedal cycle on the A689 eastbound between Wynyard and SedgefieldGraham Pattison, 49, from Hartlepool, died in a crash when he was travelling on his pedal cycle on the A689 eastbound between Wynyard and Sedgefield

Judge Jonathan Carroll told both defendants that they will be facing a custodial sentence when they return to court next month.

The were released on bail until the next hearing.

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