The family of a man mowed down by a driver doing more than three times the speed limit said they are disappointed by the "shortness of the sentence".

Jonathan Langston, 52, was crossing Wilbraham Road in Chorlton, Manchester, after drinks with friends at the time of the tragedy in March of last year.

At around the same time Adeel Safdar, from Stretford, was accelerating past another vehicle in his Volkswagen Golf after stopping alongside it at some traffic lights on the single-lane road.

The 28-year-old mowed down Mr Langston after reaching more than three times the speed limit, throwing him dozens of metres from the crash between Morville Road and Wyverne Road.

Messenger Newspapers: Adeel Safdar

Safdar, of Railway Road, returned to the scene a short time afterwards to tell the police. He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

On Wednesday at Manchester Crown Court he was sentenced to eight years of which he is likely to serve two thirds, or five years and four months, in prison. He was also sentenced to a driving disqualification of 10 years and four months.

Afterwards the family of Mr Langston said: "Whilst the day itself has provided some closure to our family, we cannot help but feel disappointed and let down by the shortness of the sentence. 

"Although it is true that no time spent would be long enough, it was shocking to hear that the driver would only spend just over 5 years in prison for his horrific actions. As a family, we will now try and move on together, living in his memory.”

Detective Constable Sarah Seddon, of GMP’s Serious Collison Investigation Unit, said: "Firstly I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jonathan Langston. 

"Not only did Adeel overtake another vehicle in a lane that was supposed to be a right hand only turn, he continued to increase his speed following this manoeuvre, reaching over three times the posted speed limit and subsequently colliding with Mr Langston, who was on his way home after having some drinks with friends earlier in the evening.

"Hopefully this sentence can form as some sort of closure to the victim’s family and Safdar can reflect on his actions."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.