Stephen Davis was killed on Cowdenbeath High Street

Darren McPhee, 32, was speeding behind the wheel of a stolen Audi SQ5 with a fake registration plate when he ploughed into Stephen Davis, who was crossing High Street at the time.

The 46 year-old tragically never recovered having been struck in his home town of Cowdenbeath last September 14.

McPhee failed to stop and sped away on the wrong side of the road.

He was later held in Aberlour in Moray two days later.

The Audi meantime was eventually discovered "fully dismantled" at a recycling centre in Thornton, leaving crash investigators unable to carry out a full examination of the motor following the collision.

McPhee - who already had a conviction for a road traffic offence - was today sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow.

He was jailed for four years and eight months having earlier pleaded guilty at a hearing in Edinburgh to a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Lord Scott said the dead man's father and brother had penned moving impact statements describing the "emotional and psychological impact" of their loss.

The judge remarked Mr Davis himself had lost his partner to cancer just months before he was killed.

Lord Scott: "Clearly excessive speed was the key ingredient to what happened."

McPhee would have been jailed for seven years, but for the guilty plea.

He was also banned from the road for eight years and four months after his release.

The horror collision was captured on CCTV with the footage played at the hearing in the capital, showing Mr Davis being propelled several feet into the air before landing on the pavement.

Prosecutor Gavin Anderson KC said: "As Mr Davis crossed the road, he initially walked and then began to run.

"This was apparently in response to seeing the approaching Audi.

"As he did so, he was struck by the vehicle. He was thrown into the air before coming to rest on the pavement."

The court heard McPhee carried on driving, leaving a stricken Mr Davis for dead.

Pedestrian Stephen Davis was knocked down and killed by hit-and-run driver Darren McPhee on September 14 last year. (Image: David Wardle)

Witnesses dialled 999 for help. However, Mr Davis - who worked in the grocery trade - passed away having suffered a number of injuries including to his brain and skull.

McPhee was found to have been driving at 42mph in a 30mph zone when he hit him.

But, officers believed he was travelling at up to 66mph moments before the collision.

The court heard today that McPhee was said to be in a hurry that evening as he had got news a relative was sick.

John Scullion KC, defending, said McPhee stated he "lies awake at night replaying events" of what happened.

Police Scotland road policing sergeant, Lee Walkingshaw, said: "Our thoughts remain with Mr Davis' family and friends and I hope that today’s sentencing brings them some comfort and allows them to move forward.

“Darren McPhee showed absolutely no regard for the law and his reckless actions highlight the devastating consequences of dangerous driving and the lasting impact it has on those involved, along with their families and friends.”