Bradley Cain was speeding and high on drugs when he struck a woman and her child in Church Hill on Saturday 2 September 2023. Driving a Ford Fiesta, Cain slammed into the 28-year-old woman and her young child as they crossed the road around 9.24pm.
Instead of stopping, Cain from Maidstone sped off, leaving his victims behind. A passing driver had to swerve to avoid Cain’s out-of-control car and then spotted Lisa Chapman lying in the road.
Woman Killed, Child Injured
Emergency services raced to the scene, but Lisa suffered fatal injuries and died instantly. The child was rushed to hospital with non-life-threatening wounds.
Cain’s vehicle was later found abandoned at a junction with Egerton Road, having crashed into a bollard. Police also received reports of a man trespassing through nearby residential gardens, jumping fences. When officers tracked Cain down at his Lenham Heath Road home, he was covered in mud and scratches.
Jailed for Death by Dangerous Driving
The Serious Collision Investigation Unit charged the 25-year-old, who pled guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop, and failing to report the collision. Toxicology revealed he was intoxicated with alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine. Speeding and drug use were key factors in his sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday 23 November 2023.
Cain was jailed and will face a 10-year driving ban upon release.
Detective Sergeant Faye Murphy said: “My thoughts are with Lisa’s family during what must be a very difficult time. This tragic crash should never have happened. Speeding and driving under the influence puts everyone at risk. There’s no excuse for Cain’s actions that have shattered so many lives. I’m relieved he’s been jailed for what he did.”
Police Warning: Drive Safe or Pay The Price
Kent Police remind drivers that speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, and using mobiles behind the wheel are the leading causes of serious injury and death on county roads.
As part of Kent County Council’s Vision Zero strategy, police are cracking down on these offences to cut the carnage and save lives.
