Former Victorian batsman jailed for hit-and-run

The former Victorian batsman David Plumpton has been jailed for 18 months in Melbourne following a hit-and-run incident involving a cyclist two years ago.

Plumpton, 30, was sentenced at Victorian County Court on Friday over the accident on January 22, 2005, in which cyclist Matthew Cole, 32, was knocked down and fatally injured on Plenty Road, Bundoora, in Melbourne's north.

The Court was told how Plumpton had momentarily fallen asleep at the wheel of his Holden Commodore when the incident occurred about 7am. He then fled the scene at high speed, running a red light before dumping his car six kilometres away. He did not turn himself in to police until 6.20pm that evening.

Plumpton pleaded guilty on July 5, and his remorse and good character were taken into account. "This accident and the needless death of Mr Cole is shocking and tragic," Judge Campbell told the court. "It has had a devastating affect on Mr Cole's family and friends."

Outside court Plumpton's father, Raymond, said his family was sorry for what had happened. "He was a good boy, he will do it [the imprisonment] well and will come out a better man. This has probably ruined his cricket career and lots of things, but I just hope when he comes through all this he comes back and is the son he used to be."

Plumpton played two one-day games for Victoria in the 2002-2003 season.