Nathan Aitchison was driving his partner’s Volkswagen Beetle when he lost control and ran into the back of David Obada’s Fiat Punto.

His bad driving caused 22-year-old David’s car to crash into the central reservation barrier on the A46 near Car Colston, Rushcliffe.

The Fiat then rolled onto its roof and came to rest sideways in the middle of the dual carriageway without its lights on during the night-time collision on 24 September 2022.

Several minutes later, the Fiat was struck by an incoming Volkswagen Transporter van, with a fourth vehicle, a Landrover Freelander, also involved in the collision.

David was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the crash, while the drivers of the other two vehicles were also left with serious injuries.

Aitchison meanwhile was nowhere to be seen, having already fled from the scene of carnage he’d caused.

An extensive search for the driver of the Beetle was carried out by Nottinghamshire Police’s dog unit and drone team, and the National Police Air Service.

This was unsuccessful until the following day (25 September) when Aitchison – who was disqualified from driving at the time – was found by police hiding up in the loft of a house in Leicester.

During the interview, Aitchison denied he was the driver involved and tried to pin the blame on someone else.

Following extensive inquiries, however, the 38-year-old was charged with causing death by careless driving and causing death by driving while disqualified – charges he would later go on to admit in court.

Ahead of Aitchison’s sentencing for causing the death of their loved one, David’s family released a statement paying tribute to him.

They said: “David left his home when he was 17 years old to build his future and help his family. He was the middle son and was a most beloved son.

“He worked hard to see his dreams come true and to make us as a family proud of him, but everything vanished in a second and we have been left with just memories.

“He has been taken away from us and from this life too early when his life was just starting.

“We will never forget his sweet face and smile and he will always be with us from between the angels. We will never forget you. God bless you up there in heaven.”

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday (10 July), Aitchison was sentenced to five years in prison.

Aitchison, of Claydon Road, Leicester, was also disqualified from driving for eight years and three months. He will then have to retake his driving test after that.

Investigator Georgina Luke, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Nathan Aitchison was a disqualified driver who should not have been behind the wheel of any vehicle when this tragic collision happened.

“By driving without passing his test he knowingly put other road users at risk and drove without having the knowledge or experience to do so safely.

“After causing this collision, he then made the heartless decision to flee from the scene of chaos he’d caused, which sadly took a young man’s life.

“I would like to extend my sincere condolences to David’s family and friends and thank them for their support throughout this tough and lengthy investigation.

“They have also asked me to pass on their thanks to all the emergency workers who attended the scene and were involved in the investigation that followed.

“I hope that anyone thinking of driving whilst disqualified or without a licence will see this case and how serious the consequences can be”.