Speed Demon Sentenced for Killing Pedestrian on Zebra Crossing
Sharon Abraham, 27, has been jailed for six years after a deadly hit-and-run on Upperton Road, Eastbourne. Just hours after passing his UK driving test—despite holding a foreign licence for nine years—he ploughed into 75-year-old Andrew Forrest, fatally injuring the pensioner as he crossed the road.
Deadly Crash Caught on CCTV
The crash happened around 7:45 PM on a rainy July evening. Witnesses said one car stopped to let Mr Forrest cross safely. But Abraham, speeding between 45mph and 52mph in a 30mph zone, failed to brake and smashed into the elderly man with his Lexus.
Instead of helping, Abraham fled the scene. He hid his damaged car behind his home and covered it with a tarp the next day. Police arrested him 16 hours later, led by CCTV footage and a Serious Collision Investigation.
Denial, Cover-Up & Guilty Plea
At Lewes Crown Court on April 25, Abraham admitted causing death by dangerous driving but tried to dodge blame for speeding. Phone records revealed he’d Googled “hit and run collision UK law” before deleting his search history.
Her Honour Judge Christine Laing KC slammed Abraham’s “gross negligence”:
“You were driving at a speed highly inappropriate for the road and weather. You only stopped momentarily before driving off. You must have known there were terrible injuries, but you only thought about yourself and your car.”
Sentence and Aftermath
- Six years behind bars (reduced from nine due to early guilty plea)
- Driving ban for eight years
- Must pass extended driving test to regain licence
The judge’s message is clear: speeding fatalities are avoidable, especially near zebra crossings and in bad weather. Drivers beware—reckless behaviour has deadly consequences.
