Amale motorist has been jailed for more than four years after pleading guilty to causing the death by dangerous driving of former Millicent GP Dr Byron Gordon.

Darren White, 52, had been at the wheel of a vehicle which struck Dr Gordon who was riding his bike in the Adelaide seaside suburb of Henley Beach.

The incident had occurred just after dawn on New Year’s Day and Dr Gordon became the first road fatality in South Australia in 2021.

The District Court heard Mr White was under the influence of illegal drugs and was driving on the wrong side of the road.

Judge Emily Telfer heard sentencing submissions from the prosecution and defence and sentenced the offender last week.

Judge Telfer described Dr Gordon as a much-loved father, brother, friend and husband.

“It is clear the death of Dr Gordon has left an enormous hole in their lives,” Judge Telfer said.

“He was a man who had worked hard throughout his life to help other people and he was looking forward to enjoying the fruits of that hard work as he slowed down in his working life.

“Your actions and decisions have deprived him and his family of his entitlement.”

At the time of his death, Dr Gordon had been practising medicine in Adelaide.

The 60-year-old had spent several years as a GP in Millicent and was a partner in the medical practice in Short Street.

In addition to his clinic and Millicent Hospital duties, Dr Gordon was a keen cyclist on South East roads.