A ROSS farmworker has been sentenced to 12 months detention after ploughing into a group of cyclists in July last year, leaving one permanently disabled.

Sam Margrett, 20, who worked on his grandfather's farm in Walford, was in a convoy of three cars travelling at speeds reaching between 65 and 70 miles per hour on the A40, weaving in and out of traffic on the dual carriageway.

The group of five cyclists were three days into their ten day Lands End to John O'Groats charity ride in aid of multiple sclerosis when the accident happened. Approaching Ross, they, and their support Land Rover, pulled over into a layby when Mr Margrett lost control of his mother's car after he pulled on the handbrake. The car spun out of control and careered into the cyclists, scattering them. One was crushed against the Land Rover. Surgeons only just saved his leg from being amputated. He is now disabled and thought unlikely to be able to work again. The other cyclists sustained injuries including broken ribs.

At the time of the accident last year, Mr Margrett claimed to police that another vehicle was involved, causing the crash.

He was also banned from driving for five years and ordered to take an extended re-test before being allowed back onto the road.