A speeding motorist, driving his car for the first time, lost control and ploughed into a cyclist, a court has heard.

Kristian Hackett drove off after the collision leaving the badly injured cyclist, 22-year-old John Lees lying in the road and the car was later found burnt out.

The victim went over the top of the car before ending up on the roadway suffering from a badly injured left leg.

A witness who saw the impact believed Hackett had been travelling at twice the 30 mph limit and thought 'he's just killed that cyclist'.

Two days later Hackett handed himself into police and learnt that the victim had actually been a former school friend.

Jailing 21-year-old Hackett for eight months Judge William George said, "Every time he (Mr Lees) gets into a car or does everyday activities he will be reminded of the serious injury to his leg.

"This offence is so serious only an custodial sentence is justified," he added.

Lianne Birkett, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court that the incident happened about 2.30 pm on August 5 as Mr Lees, a bench engineer, was cycling along Greenfold Way, Leigh, on the way to his nearby home from work.

He overtook a lorry and moved out to overtake a stationary truck when he heard screeching and saw an out-of-control Diahutsu car heading at speed towards him and he was then struck by it.

Mr Lees spent two weeks in Wigan Infirmary and a further two weeks in Whiston Hospital and underwent a total of eight operations to repair the damage to his left kneecap and leg. He had to undergo skin grafts and is still receiving physiotherapy.

In a victim impact statement Mr Lees said that his life had been ruined by the accident. He had been training for the Iron Man competition but would now not be able to consider it for several years.

He had been a keen cyclist and his new £300 machine was written off and he no longer wants to ride. He also still has trouble sleeping because of flashbacks.

Hackett, of Dakins Road, Leigh, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident, failing to report an accident and driving without insurance.

Judge George banned him from driving for three years and ordered him to take an extended test before he can drive again.

Zillah Williams, defending, said that Hackett, an apprentice joiner, had only bought his car the night before and had taken it out for a test drive.

Hackett, who has no previous convictions, accepted he had ben travelling at about 40 mph "putting the car through its paces," when he saw the on-coming lorry and the cyclist and "slammed on his brakes and lost control.

"He narrowly avoided a collision with the lorry but then unfortunately could not avoid a collision with Mr Lees.

"He is extremely remorseful. He was in the year above Mr Lees at school and considered him to be a friend. He got in touch with him while he as still in hospital to offer his apologies and inquire about his health," she said.