Alex Jeffery killer Jack Mulcahy jailed for Cambridge driving death

A motorist who caused a "peacemaker" fatal injuries when he struck him with his car has been jailed.

Alex Jeffery 21, of Orchard Road, Melbourn, was hit outside the Cambridge City Hotel in Downing Street, on 1 November. He died a week later.

Jack Mulcahy, 24, from Huntingdon, was jailed for four years and three months after being convicted of causing death by dangerous driving.

In a statement, Mr Jeffery's family said he was a "caring, loving" man.

Mulcahy, of Capulet Court, was acquitted of murder and actual bodily harm by a jury.

He was also acquitted of a separate charge of actual bodily harm following a submission of no case to answer at the end of the prosecution case.

Mulcahy received a five-year driving ban and five drug-related charges were left on file.

Cambridgeshire Police said Mr Jeffery had been out with friends in the city centre and was waiting outside the hotel for a lift home.

Meanwhile, a group walked past and an argument between the two groups began, with it spilling out into the road.

Police said Mulcahy's car drove down the one-way street and a man from the group not known to Mr Jeffery started an argument with Mulcahy, who remained in the car.

Mulcahy then drove off and "made a significant move to the left", hitting Mr Jeffery causing him to fall and hit his head on the floor, police said.

Det Sgt Mark Devine said it was a "senseless and callous" act.

"Alex was simply trying to do the right thing by acting as peacemaker in a needless, drunken argument. Sadly, he paid the ultimate price," he said.

In a statement, Mr Jeffery's family said he would always be remembered as a "caring, loving" man who had a promising career and life ahead of him.

It added: "As a family we are extremely proud of Alex and what he achieved in his short life - he will forever be in our hearts."