A cyclist who killed a popular greengrocer with a single punch could serve just nine months behind bars.

Paul Lambeth attacked Tony Magdi after the Hove shopkeeper accidentally knocked his friend off his bike with his car door.

But at Hove Crown Court on Friday Lambeth, 36, was sentenced to just 18 months in prison for the killing.

Government guidelines mean he could be released after only nine months.

Friends, family and politicians have been united in condemning the sentence.

Jeremy Greenwood, Mr Magdi’s brother-inlaw, said: “We’re very disappointed. When we read of other people getting seven years for burglary, how can 18 months for taking someone’s life be right?

“It’s sending the wrong message to people in the city. People need to know they cannot just punch people and get away with it.

“We just feel it is very disrespectful to Tony’s memory.”

Hove MP Mike Weatherley said: “I cannot imagine that any Hove resident will see this short sentence as appropriate.

“This unsavoury character has killed a local champion. A community mourns.”

The incident took place at about midday on November 7.

Lambeth, of Stafford Road, Brighton, was cycling with three friends in Portland Road, Hove, when his friend, James Jones, was knocked off his bike by Mr Magdi as he opened the door of his car.

Mr Magdi apologised to Mr Jones and offered him water but Lambeth hurled abuse at the driver and punched him in the face, knocking the 52-year-old to the ground.

He then cycled off, followed by his three friends before police or paramedics arrived.

Mr Jones told police that Lambeth cycled everywhere but believed motorists hit people on bikes on purpose.

He described it as an episode of “cycle rage”.

Mr Magdi was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton with his friend, George Jeha, who was visiting him when he was punched.

He was then transferred to the specialist Hurstwood Park head injuries unit at Haywards Heath but died three weeks later.

Lambeth handed himself in to police on November 11.

He pleaded guilty to manslaughter when he appeared in court last month.

Lewis Power, defending, said Lambeth had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenic symptoms in 2001 but over the years had not taken prescribed medication.

Judge Michael Lawson QC said he had given Lambeth credit for pleading guilty at the first available opportunity.

Sentencing Lambeth he said: “It was a loss of life brought about by a moment of thoughtlessness and ill humour.

“You left him in lying in the road while your friends tried to help.”

Detective Constable Leon Ryan said: “My heartfelt sympathy goes to the friends and family of Tony, who continue to miss him dearly.

“He was an exceptional, much-loved local character and his death has been mourned by the whole community. It is tragic for a life to end so unnecessarily as the result of a single punch.”