Reckeless Driver Jailed over Teenager Death in Chatham
A reckless driver has been jailed after running over and killing a motorcyclist in Chatham in January this year. Ismael Martinan-Brittain, 19, from Chatham, died at the scene when he was hit by the Ford Focus in Princes Avenue. Driver, James William Dye, got out of the vehicle and fled the scene, making no attempt to offer assistance or call for help. The court heard Dye, 22, of Rainham Road in Gillingham, had been driving erratically behind a BMW moments before the crash. When the BMW slowed to allow Mr Martinan-Brittain to join traffic from a side road, Dye swerved to its off-side, and crashed into the motorcyclist. He then ran from the scene, disposing clothing and car keys in a nearby alley as he fled. A passenger in the car with Dye was released without charge in connection with the incident. Dye pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. He was sentenced to three years in prison at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 4 May 2018. Investigating officer PC Mick Sayer, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: ‘James Dye’s reckless actions tragically caused the death of a young man. He drove carelessly through Princes Way without a licence, without insurance, and without a care for the safety of other road users. ‘That selfish decision will forever live with the family of Mr Martinan-Brittain and I hope they can find some small comfort in the jail term that was passed today.’
