A speeding motorist has been jailed for killing a pensioner.

Peter Wilkingon, 23, admitted causing the death of the 82-year-old by careless driving in Penrith town centre.

Carlisle Crown Court heard Lawrence Cherry was thrown up to 10ft in the air after being struck by a Volkswagen Golf in the dark as he crossed at a pelican crossing in the town.

The court heard Wilkinson was travelling at 30mph - 10mph over the town centre limit - at the time of the crash in December, 2015.

As Mr Cherry - wearing dark clothing - walked over the King Street crossing with the traffic lights on green, he was struck by the Golf.

In dark and rainy conditions, Wilkinson, of Clifton, near Penrith, braked but later admitted he was distracted by other pedestrians and his vehicle's clock.

The court heard Mr Cherry, who lived in Penrith, suffered "catastrophic" fatal injuries.

His death was said to have "devastated" his family.

Wilkinson, a "remorseful" man of good character, admitted a charge of causing death by careless driving, and was sentenced today.

Judge Peter Hughes QC imposed an immediate 12-month prison sentence, describing the incident as "tragic".

Wilkinson was also banned from driving for three years, and must take an extended re-test.