THE family of a man killed in a hit and run have vowed to battle on for justice after the drunken taxi driver responsible was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison.

Water worker Paul Unthank, aged 43, of Deer Park, Ledbury, died after being struck by a speeding minicab as he retrieved equipment from a manhole in a cordoned off area of Upton Lane in East London last October.

Speaking after mini-cab driver Sebastian Swiatek was sentenced on Friday, Mr Unthank’s widow Nicola, aged 39, said: “Paul’s death has caused unimaginable pain for my three children and me.

Not only have I lost my best friend and supporter, but my children lost a wonderful role model .

“We’re pleased that the criminal trial has now concluded and justice done in that respect, but my family has been left struggling to come to terms with what has happened and struggling financially.”

Mr Unthank leaves behind daughter Alice, nine, and sons Freddie and Harry.