Hit-and-Run Horror: Disqualified Driver Mows Down Three Women at Zebra Crossing
A disqualified driver who ploughed into three women on a zebra crossing in West Malling before fleeing the scene has been slammed with a jail term of over five years.
Joyride Turns Nasty
On the afternoon of 11 March 2020, 24-year-old Abie Ianson of Lunsford Lane, Larkfield, snatched a Ford Fiesta without permission. At around 4.10pm, he was driving along High Street, West Malling, when three women waited to cross at a zebra crossing.
Another driver stopped to let them cross, but Ianson, coming from the opposite direction, swerved to avoid a parked car — then ploughed straight into the women. All three were knocked to the ground. Two suffered life-changing injuries.
Fleeing the Scene and Facing Justice
Ianson didn’t stop. He sped off and abandoned the Fiesta on Twisden Road, East Malling. Police later recovered the car — with Ianson’s mobile phone still inside.
He was arrested on 19 March and hit with a battery of charges including two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, failing to stop at the scene, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance. He also faced two counts of theft.
At Maidstone Crown Court, Ianson pleaded guilty and was sentenced on 14 October to five years and one month behind bars. He was also banned from driving for six years and 11 months.
Police Condemn Shocking Crash
“This man’s actions were truly appalling and he has left two women with very serious injuries,” said Detective Sergeant Andrew Burgess.
“He showed no regard for the safety of other road users and leaving the scene of the collision without stopping to assist the casualties was unforgiveable. A prison sentence and a lengthy disqualification from driving is entirely appropriate.”
