Tragic Ramsgate Crash Claims Two Lives as Drunk Driver Crashes Into Pedestrians
A dangerous joyride turned deadly in Ramsgate when 31-year-old Nitesh Bissendary lost control of his black Alfa Romeo on August 10, 2022. The vehicle mounted the pavement and sped nearly 30 metres before smashing into a group of pedestrians, including two young children, at around 9.35pm.
After the horrific collision on Leopold Street, Bissendary fled the scene on foot, leaving victims injured and dying behind him.
Two Dead, Family Shattered
Among the casualties was 37-year-old Noga Sella, five weeks pregnant at the time of the crash. Her 81-year-old father, Yoram Hirshfeld, also died from his injuries. Noga’s husband, Omer, suffered serious wounds in the smash.
The heartbreaking collision has devastated the family and shook the local community.
Convicted but Denies Dangerous Driving
Bissendary, from Highlands Glade, Manston, admitted causing death by careless driving but denied the more serious charges of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving. After a trial at Canterbury Crown Court, he was convicted of the lesser charge and sentenced on December 8, 2022.
He received a lengthy custodial sentence and faces a 10-year driving ban upon release.
Drug Use and Cowardly Flight from Scene
Police revealed Bissendary took cocaine before getting behind the wheel. Though he failed a roadside drug test, he refused a follow-up blood test after his arrest. Claiming a vehicle defect distracted him moments before the crash, he still fled the scene on foot before later returning.
“From the moment he took cocaine before driving, Bissendary’s actions have been nothing short of disgraceful,” said Detective Inspector Lynn Wilczek. “He refused to take full responsibility, running away while victims lay injured and dying. Denying dangerous driving only prolonged the family’s agony.”
“This case is a stark warning to all drivers about the dangers of drug-driving. We will not hesitate to act against anyone risking lives behind the wheel.”
Additional Charges Add to the List
Alongside the fatal crash offences, Bissendary pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, failing to provide a sample for analysis, and possession with intent to supply cocaine.
The brutal Ramsgate tragedy is a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of drug-fuelled driving and irresponsible behaviour on our roads.
