THE family of an Aberporth businessman killed by a drink-driver while cycling on the island of Menorca earlier this month have paid him a heartfelt tribute.

Dad-of-three Phil Rasmussen, 47, who lived on Felin Road, died after a rented car driven by a US tourist knocked him off his bike on 1 April.

Bryan Leeds, 25, subsequently pleaded guilty to manslaughter having agreed a plea bargain deal at a court in Mahon and received a year’s suspended jail sentence.

A statement released by the Rasmussen family on Monday read: “We are devastated by the loss of Phillip, and he will be dearly missed by us all.

“Phillip was a loving husband to Elissa and father to Rhys, Beci and Dylan.

“He lived life to the full and will be remembered for his energy and pass­ion towards all aspects of life. He was a keen sailor, cyclist and loved to travel.

“He began his professional career as a chartered accountant and spent the last 10 years working as chief financial officer for IQE plc, a role which he truly loved and made his own.

“We would like to thank everyone for their support at this difficult time. It has meant so much to the whole family.

“We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”

The court heard that Leeds was at the wheel of a car that hit Mr Rasmussen, who was cycling from the village of Alcaufar to Sant Lluis near his holiday home.

Two ambulances were sent to the scene at about 11am BST, but paramedics could not save him.

Leeds failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 35mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath – in Spain the limit is 25mg.

He also failed a drugs test but had a medical receipt for amphetamine tablets.