Drunk Driver Who Killed Pedestrian in South London Crash Jailed
A reckless, drunk driver who fell asleep at the wheel, mounting the pavement and killing a man before seriously injuring four others, has finally been locked up.
Nicquan Taylor Sentenced for Deadly Crash
Nicquan Taylor, 24, of Etta Street, SE8, pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to causing death by dangerous driving and three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was sentenced on Thursday, 17 May.
Taylor was handed four years for the death and three concurrent sentences of two years and eight months for the serious injuries. He was also disqualified from driving for five years and must pass an extended driving test before he can get behind the wheel again. A charge of driving without insurance remains on file.
Fatal Collision on Bromley Road
The horror crash happened just after 8.20am on Sunday, 26 February 2017, outside a car wash on Bromley Road, Bellingham. Taylor’s Mercedes jumped the pavement, ploughing into pedestrians before smashing into a wall.
Five people were hurt – four men and one woman, all working at the car wash. Tragically, 31-year-old Iulian-Claudiu Girdoc died in hospital the next day from his injuries. The others, aged between 25 and 46, survived but sustained serious wounds.
Taylor Tried to Flee but Was Caught
The drunk driver attempted to run from the scene but was swiftly stopped by staff and an off-duty cop. He was arrested and brought to Lewisham Police Station.
Detectives uncovered that Taylor had been at a nightclub in central London and was sleep-deprived, having been awake for 22 hours before the crash. He was also well over the legal alcohol limit.
“Taylor admitted falling asleep at the wheel,” said Detective Constable Steve Cannings. “This case highlights the dangers of not only drink driving but driving while tired.”
“Some victims were at court today and expressed disappointment at the sentence length. While nothing brings back their colleague Iulian-Claudiu Girdoc, I hope they find some closure after this traumatic event.”
Victims’ Injuries and Court Scene
- A 22-year-old man suffered a serious head injury and has made a partial recovery.
- A 46-year-old man sustained a head injury and an open leg fracture.
- A 36-year-old man received lacerations and bruising to his head and chest.
- A 35-year-old woman suffered head, neck, and pelvic fractures and has partly recovered. She did not attend sentencing.
The sentence finally brings justice to a devastating crash caused by deadly negligence behind the wheel.
