A DRUG driver who killed a cyclist in Southampton has been described as "selfish and thoughtless". 

Kornel Marcinek, 25, was jailed on Thursday for 21 months after the crash on Hill Lane which killed Joe Burton last year. 

Marcinek had been travelling along Hill Lane when he crashed into the back of Joe, just 21 seconds after he had used his phone. 

Having smoked cannabis earlier that day, he was charged with charged with causing death by dangerous driving while over the prescribed limit of cannabis, and driving without insurance. 

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court, he was also disqualified from driving for two years and ten months. 

Daily Echo: Joe Burton.Joe Burton.

Now, police have said they hope the sentence will send a message about the dangers of drug driving. 

PC Lucy Hawkins, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “When Marcinek got into his vehicle that evening, knowing he was under the influence of drugs, he had absolutely no regard for the danger he posed to other road users.

“His selfish and thoughtless actions meant the life of a popular, happy and well respected man was cut short.

"Joe’s family and friends will now have to live with the catastrophic consequences of this incident for the rest of their lives.

READ MORE: 

“I hope this case will once again highlight the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of drugs and the responsibility that falls on all drivers to drive their vehicles safely and with regard to all other road users.” 

Joe had only recently been married at the time, and was planning to move in with his new wife Anna. 

In a statement read out in court, she described him as "kind" and "supportive" and "loved by everyone he met". 

"Joe didn’t deserve what happened to him. He deserved to live a long happy life with me.

"The actions of the driver on that night have taken that away from him."

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News