Justice Served After Leicester Hit-and-Run Nightmare
Driver Flees Scene After Running Over Store Worker
On July 1, 2019, Radu Covaci swiped booze from a supermarket on Upperton Road, Leicester. He sped off in a silver Toyota Yaris, but not before running over a member of staff trying to stop him. The victim, now in his 40s, suffered severe head injuries with lasting effects.
Police Hunt Leads to Cross-Border Arrest
Investigators quickly discovered Covaci’s car had cloned number plates and connected him to previous thefts. When cops visited his home, they learned he’d fled back to Romania. Undeterred, Sgt Sian Harris-Ley pushed through a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TaCa) warrant, allowing UK authorities to pursue him abroad.
On October 20 last year, Romanian police nabbed Covaci at the border. “When I got that call to say he’d been arrested, I couldn’t believe it,” said Sgt Harris-Ley. He was extradited back to the UK and charged.
Conviction and Sentence
- Charged with causing grievous bodily harm
- Driving while disqualified
- Driving without insurance
Covaci pleaded guilty at Leicester Crown Court on March 19 this year. Today, June 6, he was sentenced to 32 months behind bars and disqualified from driving for three years.
Investigator Vows to Bring Criminals to Justice
“Covaci probably thought he could escape the consequences,” Sgt Harris-Ley said. “I hope today’s outcome shows the public we’ll do whatever it takes to bring offenders to justice.”
