The driver of a car which knocked down and killed a Hitchin chef has avoided prison after being sentenced today.

Simon Cheung sustained serious head injuries when a grey Rover 200 collided with him at a pedestrian crossing on the A505 Cambridge Road, Hitchin, on January 15, 2014.

The 32-year-old – who was on his way to work as a chef in the family business China Kitchen, situated just yards away – died a week later.

Christine Hussey, of Crawley Green Road in Luton, pleaded guilty on March 23 to causing death by careless driving, and was sentenced this morning at Luton Crown Court.

The 58-year-old received a five-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, and will have to carry out 180 hours’ unpaid work.

Hussey was banned from driving for two years and ordered to pay £1,200 costs, as well as an £80 victim surcharge.