Drug driver jailed for running down cyclists

A drug driver with a shocking record has been jailed for more than three years, for running down two cyclists.

Kevin Anthony Barton was high on methamphetamine when he hit an off-duty police officer and another woman during a charity bike ride.

During sentencing, the court heard Kevin Barton had injected a cocktail of meth and adrenaline.

He told police he had a surge of energy just before his car ploughed into the cyclists in Esperance in 2015.

He panicked and drove off at speed, leaving the injured cyclists on the road.

Later, Barton removed the licence plates from his car to avoid getting caught.

Off duty police officer Roberta Richardson suffered a permanent ankle injury.

She spent five weeks in hospital and still faces more surgery.

Fellow cyclist Carla Martella was also hit.

The pair was taking part in a charity ride from Esperance to Perth.

The court was told Barton has never had a driver’s licence and has a shocking criminal history - with multiple convictions for serious driving offences.

The judge said the former bikie had some genuine remorse.

The 51-year-old was sentenced to three years and two months jail after pleading guilty to five charges.

He’s also been banned from getting a driver’s licence for more than three years.