Judge Jeremy Richardson KC told the defendant: “You are a dangerous offender and the public must be protected from your evident dangerous and ingrained criminal behaviour.”
Footage played in court showed Byrne inhaling nitrous oxide gas from a yellow balloon while driving, both before and after the collision with Mr Slinn.
The court heard the defendant sped off with two passengers after the crash, with dashcam footage showing his tyres smoking as he appeared to try to control the vehicle.
Mr Slinn helped to care for adults with learning disabilities after he retired and was weeks away from celebrating his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife Jaqueline.
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