Driver convicted of killing top Irish cyclist during race

A court in Northern Ireland has found a man guilty of killing top national rider David McCall.

Michael Gerard Groome, 27, from Belfast, hit Mr McCall as was taking part in a road race in County Antrim in August 2008.

The rider swerved to avoid a dog and was struck by Groome, who was speeding on the road because he had to catch a flight from Belfast International Airport. Groome initially didn’t stop but a short time later returned to the scene of the crash.

He was convicted by the Antrim court of causing death by dangerous driving and will be sentenced in a month. He was released on bail.

Mr McCall, 46 and a father of two, was a Commonwealth Games medallist. He worked as a civil servant and also jointly ran Sportactive, which organises cycling and walking holidays.

He was a member of the Maryland Wheelers club in Lisburn and his club have established a charitable foundation in his name.