David Mark Chandler, 41, had spent most of the day drinking when he got behind the wheel of his Astra van. His drinking partner, Jonathan McDonald, was in the passenger seat as they headed off on the A658 Bradford to Harrogate road outside Pool.

At one point Mr McDonald was seen to ?reach across and push? Chandler as he drove, forcing the car to swerve across the road, London?s Appeal Court heard.

Stephen Granger, 50, was struck down by Chandler?s van on the A658, hitting the bonnet and windscreen.

Mr Granger was carried along by the van for a short time before Chandler sped on, oblivious to the dead man. The cyclist?s body was discovered later ?lying where he had been thrown?.

Mr Justice Mackay ? sitting with Mr Justice Aikens and Mr Justice Stadlen ? said Chandler and Mr McDonald began their drinking session at lunchtime on April 8 2007, knocking back wine and five pints of beer with their lunch.

Later they moved on to another pub where they spent ?four hours drinking?, each downing at least six pints of beer.

Chandler, of Arthington Lane, Otley, received four and a half years at Leeds Crown Court after admitting causing death by careless driving in December 2007 while under the influence of alcohol. He also pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

The Appeal Court heard Chandler attempted to cover up damage to his car in the accident. He also escaped to Wales the following day to avoid being breathalysed.

Mr McDonald was charged with manslaughter but was acquitted.

Mr Justice Mackay said the evidence suggested Chandler was around 50 per cent over the legal alcohol limit at the time.

But, despite the gravity of his crimes, the judge concluded his sentence was too long.

The jail term took insufficient account of Chandler?s early guilty plea and the assistance he ultimately gave to the authorities, the judge concluded, cutting his sentence by a year, to three and a half years.