The family of a cyclist killed when he was hit at nearly 60mph before the driver fled the scene says while justice has been served, they will never get over his death.

Ben Wright, 35, was killed by James Ashman who was recently sentenced to 14 years in prison for dangerous driving. 

Ashman, 29, had been delivering cannabis to customers on the night of the crash and failed to stop after the accident in Vernon Street in 2022.

During his sentencing, Judge Martyn Levett said Mr Wright, who was a father-of-two, would likely be alive if Ashman had been driving within the 30mph speed limit.

Mr Wright’s sister, Natasha said: "We will never get over it, we will just have to learn to deal with it."

Benjamin Wright was killed aged 35Benjamin Wright was killed aged 35 (Image: Suffolk Police)

She said her brother had a turbulent life but had been working to overcome addiction and was managing to turn his life around.

She said: “His lifestyle was completely changing. He was only on a tiny amount of methadone before the end.

“I am so proud of him for that."

He was always there for his family they said and was a "cheeky charmer".

Ms Wright said: “When I was having my down bipolar days, he would get me to stand in front of a mirror with him and tell me we both looked beautiful and that we could get through anything. His smile lit up the whole of the room.”

Mr Wright’s father Mark added: “He was very charming. I potty trained him, and I raised him. He was a handsome man.”

Ms Wright spoke of the hurt his loss had caused.

She said: “In the night I wake up screaming because I identified Ben’s body. All I see in my dreams is Ben, just him lying on that cold slab not waking up.

Benjamin WrightBenjamin Wright (Image: Natasha Wright)

“My mum has deteriorated massively. She has gone right downhill. We will never get over it, we will just have to learn to deal with it.

“Also, since Ben got killed, I have been diagnosed with Addison's Disease which affects me massively in terms of motivation, mood, weakness of muscles, everything.

“Justice has been served. But really it doesn’t matter how long that guy got. Nothing will ever bring Ben back to me.

“We were like twins. It was me and him against the world.”

She praised the effort of Suffolk Police who had described Ashman's actions as "dangerous and reckless".

Benjamin Wright was battling addiction when he was killedBenjamin Wright was battling addiction when he was killed (Image: Natasha Wright)