A grinning drunk driver stopped to buy more alcohol shortly after he mowed down and killed a cyclist. 

James O’Donnell, 35, was driving 33mph over the speed limit when he knocked down 63-year-old Keith Hornby on a road in Huyton, Merseyside, on March 5 last year.

Seemingly unfazed by his crime, O’Donnell then dumped his car at a nearby housing estate and walked off to buy more alcohol. 

Merseyside Police apprehended O’Donnell as he was walking back to his home.

In a video of his arrest, shared by the force, a grinning O’Donnell can be seen stumbling in the street as officers approach him. 

Bodycam footage shows a visible intoxicated O’Donnell slurring his words and asking for his car keys and if he can smoke a cigarette. 

He then threatens to ‘kick off’ when he’s told no.

O’Donnell appeared at Merseyside Crown Court yesterday where he pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene and driving a motor vehicle when the alcohol level is above the limit.

James O’Donnell (pictured) has been jailed for 11 years after he knocked down and killed cyclist Keith Hornby while drunk driving on March 5 2025

In a video of his arrest, shared by Merseyside Police, a grinning O’Donnell can be seen stumbling in the street as officers apprehend him

The 35-year-old was handed an 11 years and eight months prison sentence for his crimes.

According to the police, after he had knocked down Mr Hornby the drunk driver turned his black Volkswagen ID5 around and briefly stopped to look at the victim lying in the street before he sped away.

Mr Hornby sadly died at the scene as a result of the injuries he sustained.

Following his arrest O’Donnell provided a breath test sample that was nearly three times over the legal limit. 

He initially denied the offences, but later changed his plea prior to trial. 

Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, Lead Investigating Officer from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: ‘The decision by James O’Donnell to drive at grossly excessive speeds whilst under the influence of alcohol showed a complete disregard for anyone else on the road that day.

‘Keith Hornby was going about his life, enjoying something he loved to do and riding his bike on a route that was extremely familiar to him. 

‘As he enjoyed that sunny spring day, he had no idea a dangerous drunk driver was approaching him from behind at excessive speed.’

Det Sgt Roper added that O’Donnell showed ‘showed absolutely no remorse or concern for what he had done’.

Paying tribute to Mr Hornby he said: ‘Mr Hornby was the primary carer for his elderly mother and was just taking an hour out of his demanding day to get some fresh air and exercise.

Mr Hornby (pictured) sadly died at the scene as a result of the injuries he sustained following the incident 

‘Our thoughts remain with Mr Hornby’s family and friends. I would also like to thank the members of the public who stopped to help and went to his aid and to those who have assisted this investigation throughout.’ 

In a statement, Mr Hornby’s family said: ‘On behalf of Keith Hornby’s family, I would like to thank the hard work and due diligence taken by the Merseyside Police, the CPS, and the Crown Court in delivering this outcome.

‘A special thank you to the community who immediately attended to Keith and assisted the Police in the apprehension of the offender.

‘We can finally put this behind us and move on with our lives. A significant weight has been lifted off our shoulders and we can think of all the great memories Keith has given us all.’