Stolen Car Crash on A2050 Claims Life of Motor-Tricycle Rider
Kent Police were called at 12:55pm on Saturday, 26 August 2023, after a two-vehicle collision on the A2050 near Harbledown turned fatal.
Stolen Mazda Hits Motor-Tricycle
Claudiu Patrascu, 44, was behind the wheel of a blue Mazda he’d taken without permission. Turning sharply right into Faulkner’s Lane, he smashed into Glyn Clarke’s motor-tricycle as the rider travelled towards the A2 from canterbury/" title="Canterbury" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Canterbury.
Tragically, Clarke, who was visiting the area, died at the scene from his injuries.
Hit-and-Run and Shocking Revelations
Investigators from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit uncovered a string of offences. Patrascu had no driving licence, no insurance, and the Mazda bore a false numberplate. Dashcam footage from a witness showed Patrascu fleeing the crash, making no attempt to help the victim.
About 30 minutes later, the Mazda’s owner reported the car missing from Gate Hill and linked it to the collision.
Police arrested Patrascu early the next morning at his Gate Hill home in Dunkirk. Forensic tests matched his DNA and fingerprints to the vehicle. A witness also recalled Patrascu’s reckless driving moments before the crash.
Justice Delivered: Heavy Sentence for Patrascu
At Canterbury Crown Court, Patrascu pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking without consent, failing to stop after collision, failing to report a collision, driving without insurance, and driving without a licence.
On Friday 8 December, he was jailed for 11 years and three months, handed a driving ban exceeding 14 years, and ordered to pass an extended driving test before regaining any licence.
“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,” said DC Claire Fullagar from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit.
“He showed little respect to the law and was oblivious to his responsibilities 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.”
