Jail for dangerous driver who fled crash scene

A dangerous driver has been jailed after causing a collision that left another man with a brain injury.

Nicusor Ionescu, 27, was speeding down Eastfield Road, Peterborough, at about 12.55pm on 6 September when he lost control of his Mercedes and collided with a tree.

Ionescu ran away from the scene and hid behind a nearby van, leaving his front-seat passenger trapped in the vehicle with serious injuries.

Members of the public who witnessed the collision chased Ionescu and detained him, before officers arrived and arrested him.

Ionescu’s 27-year-old passenger suffered a brain injury, multiple fractures and was in a medically induced coma for two weeks as a result of the crash.

At Cambridge Crown Court on Wednesday (28 October), Ionescu, of Granville Street, Peterborough, was jailed for two years after admitting to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, using a motor vehicle without insurance, and using a motor vehicle without a valid license.

Sentencing, Judge Andrew Hurst, commented on the fact that the victim is now unable to work and is “confined by his own fragile mental health”.

Detective Constable Lauren Byrne, from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Firstly my thoughts go out to the victim and his family. This crash has had an extensive impact on them all and I wish the victim a speedy recovery.

“This was a serious, but completely preventable crash, caused by Ionescu’s careless and reckless driving. The impact of the collision goes far beyond the victim’s physical injuries - he will likely suffer from the ongoing emotional and psychological impact, especially as he is unable to work or continue his life as it was prior to the crash.

“The fact Ionescu tried to flee the scene is cowardly and shows his lack of remorse and compassion for the victim, so I am pleased he is now behind bars and will be held accountable for his actions.”

For more road safety information, visit our dedicated web page.