Kent Police was called at 12.55pm on Saturday 26 August 2023, to a two-vehicle collision on the A2050 near Harbledown.

Driving a blue Mazda he had taken without permission, Claudiu Patrascu turned right at the junction into Faulkner’s Lane, and collided into a motor-tricycle travelling towards the A2 from Canterbury.

The rider, Glyn Clarke, who had been visiting the area, suffered fatal injuries and was confirmed deceased at the scene.

An investigation by the Serious Collision Investigation Unit found that Patrascu did not have a driving licence and was also uninsured. The car also had a false numberplate. Dashcam footage from a witness who had been following the tricycle, showed that immediately after the collision, Patrascu got out of the car and ran away from the scene, not stopping to offer any form of assistance to the rider.

Around 30 minutes later, the owner of the Mazda phoned to report the vehicle missing from Gate Hill and had heard reports that it had been in a collision.

Enquiries led officers to visit Patrascu’s address in Gate Hill in Dunkirk, where he was arrested in the early hours of Sunday 27 August.

Forensic testing on the car confirmed Patrascu’s DNA present as well as a fingerprint.  A witness told officers that they had seen him driving badly before the collision and had been forced to take evasive action to avoid Patrascu driving into them.

The 44-year-old, was charged and at Canterbury Crown Court admitted causing death by dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking without consent, failing to stop after a collision, failing to report a collision, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.

On Friday 8 December Patrascu was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison, banned from driving for over 14 years and ordered to take an extended retest before driving again.

Investigating officer, DC Claire Fullagar from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: ‘The court recognised that Claudiu Patrascu had taken the car without permission and was clearly aware he was breaking the law, as he had put false numberplates on the vehicle to avoid being caught.

‘He showed little respect to the law and was oblivious of his responsibilities as a driver towards other road users. He has been sent to prison and will no longer be a risk on the road.

‘Unfortunately, his actions had tragic consequences and the victim’s family will now feel that grief for the rest of their lives.’

ENDS