Motorist who murdered his love rival jailed for life

'Let's see what happens when I drive past him,' Sam Spaven told his ex-girlfriend

Sam Spaven, 27, drove his Audi A4 into Richard Pencott, 44, as he was cycling home from work (Nottinghamshire Police)

A motorist who murdered his love rival when he rammed into his bicycle at 40mph has been jailed for life.

Sam Spaven, 27, drove his Audi A4 into Richard Pencott, 44, as he was cycling home from work in Harworth, Nottinghamshire, in June.

The force of the impact launched Mr Pencott's bike into the air, over a nearby 10ft-high security fence, according to Nottinghamshire Police.

Spaven did not stop at the scene and left the father-of-two to die from head and chest injuries.

Damage to Spaven's Audi A4 (Nottinghamshire Police)

Witnesses reported seeing his damaged car and smashed windscreen.

Spaven had made threats to kill Mr Pencott after learning he was in a relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Nottingham Crown Court heard.

He has a son with his Amy Sherwood, but the court was told they split up in April.

Less than an hour before his attack, Spaven visited his Ms Sherwood and threatened violence against her and Mr Pencott, before saying: "I've sorted something this morning, don't worry... Let's see what happens when I drive past him."

The BBC reports Judge Michael Stokes said it was a "premeditated, deliberate murder."

"Why? Because you, obsessed as you were with your former partner and mother of your child, were blinded by jealousy and bent on revenge."

Spaven pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial and must serve at least 24 years and 194 days, minus the 171 days he has already spent in custody.