Watts, 24, of Cinque Ports Street, Rye, was jailed earlier this week for the death of Sally Lofill in June last year.

Watts drove into Mrs Lofill as she was cycling along Winchelsea Road, on her way home to Fairlight, after an evening shift at the Mermaid Hotel.

Inspector Phil Clarke, of the Sussex Road Policing Unit, said: "Mr Watts did not stop and left Mrs Loffill dying in the road.

"Her cycle was trapped under his car and dragged another 1.75 miles until he crashed into a ditch.

"Watts then abandoned his car and began to walk home, when he was arrested by police. He subsequently provided an evidential breath specimen that was over the legal limit and was charged with Causing Death by Careless Driving Whilst over the Prescribed Limit, No Insurance and Failing to Stop After an Accident.

"Sally Lofill was a much loved wife, mother and popular member of the community of Fairlight and is very much missed by all those who knew her.

"Her life was tragically ended by the selfish and criminally irresponsible behaviour of Simon Watts - who chose to drive despite being heavily intoxicated.

"Having collided with her, he left her in the road to die without stopping. Although he received a lengthy custodial sentence, no sentence passed today could bring Sally back."