A reckless driver who fatally struck a pedestrian and then set fire to his car to destroy forensic evidence has been sentenced to prison. Nathan Clifton, aged 29, received a six and a half year jail term for the fatal incident in Dover.
On November 9, 2019, Clifton was driving a red Peugeot 207 at high speed along Frith Road in Dover when he collided with 53-year-old Michael Evans, who was crossing the street. Witnesses reported the Peugeot was travelling at approximately 60 mph through residential streets.
Mr Evans sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Clifton did not stop after the collision; instead, he fled and later set fire to the Peugeot at a nearby allotment in an attempt to destroy evidence linking him to the crash.
Two weeks later, on November 22, police located Clifton driving another vehicle. When officers attempted to stop him, Clifton fled on foot but was quickly subdued with a Taser. A knuckleduster was found abandoned near the scene.
Clifton admitted to hitting Mr Evans and confessed to having consumed alcohol and cocaine at a party the night before the fatal crash.
At Canterbury Crown Court on August 21, Clifton pleaded guilty to multiple offences including causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving while disqualified, driving while disqualified, attempting to pervert the course of justice, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Detective Constable Robert Fursey of Kent Police condemned Clifton’s actions, stating, “Clifton should not have been behind the wheel on the day he knocked down and killed Mr Evans. He certainly shouldn’t have been tearing through a busy town centre. Instead of stopping to help, he fled and tried to cover up his crime. The thorough investigation left him no choice but to plead guilty. We hope the sentence brings some justice for the victim’s family.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
