A motorist hit two cyclists after being blinded by the sun, a court has heard.

Charles Edward Jessup, of Carrick Bay View, Colby, had not seen the cyclists and heard two thumps against the car as he hit them.

Jessup, aged 42, must pay nearly £5,000 in compensation to the cyclists.

Prosecutor Rebecca Cubbon told the court that the two cyclists were on Dalby Road heading towards the Round Table on February 11 at 8.30am.

Jessup was driving in the same direction, he said, at around 45 to 50mph when shortly after the Ballacallin pub, after a left turn, he heard two thumps and his wing mirror broke.

He said that the sun was in his eyes when he realised he had hit the two riders.

The damage to one bike was £2,898 while the other was £1,600.

Defence advocate Peter Russell handed in letters of reference for his client.

He said: ’This happened four months ago so Mr Jessup has had plenty of time to reflect and worry about what he has done.

’He is very remorseful for what occurred, mortified is perhaps a better word.

’He has followed the road around, going uphill and has been blinded by the sun.

’He accepts he should have slowed to a trickle. He guessed his speed at 40 to 45mph but the cyclist’s account mentioned 30mph.

’Essentially he was going too fast for the conditions.

’Mr Jessup has been driving in excess of 30 years and not been in court before. He is not going to be coming back in all likelihood.’

Jessup admitted careless driving and was also fined £500 and had his licence endorsed with six penalty points.

He was given three months to pay the amounts or face up to 60 days in prison in default of payment.