Reckless Driver Jailed for Christmas Crash Mayhem
Klaidas Keblas, 25, has been slammed with a five-year prison sentence after causing a horror crash in Barking that left three people seriously hurt. The no fixed address driver was found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court last week, having fled the scene and tried to skip the country.
Car Chaos on Northern Relief Road
At just after midnight on 6 March, Keblas careered head-on into a Vauxhall Zafira on the Northern Relief Road, Barking, after a dangerous overtaking move while speeding and under the influence of alcohol. Both cars spun violently, ending up facing the wrong way. Three people were badly injured – two young men squeezed into the front passenger seat of Keblas’s Audi, and the Vauxhall driver, critically hurt.
Keblas jumped from his Audi and ran from the wreckage, leaving the wounded victims bleeding on the road. Paramedics rushed all three to East London hospitals for emergency treatment.
Flight to Freedom Foiled at Luton
Police launched a frantic search but Keblas was nowhere to be found at several addresses. Then, using his mobile phone found in the abandoned Audi, officers uncovered a flight booking out of the country for later that day.
He was nabbed at Luton Airport just before he could board a plane to Lithuania. Keblas was charged the next day and remanded in custody, where he first declared not guilty – but a jury convicted him unanimously on 19 October.
Heavy Sentence and Driving Ban
- Two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving – 56 months each
- Failing to stop at the scene – 4 months
- Failing to report the collision – 4 months
His total 60 months behind bars means no chance of parole until fully served. Keblas is also banned from driving for five years and must pass an extended driving test to get back behind the wheel.
“The aggravating factors here included drink, speed, and a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre,” said Her Honour Judge English. “His actions were made worse by failing to stop, failing to report the collision and attempting to flee the country.”
Detective Sergeant Edward Coleman of the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Keblas’s not guilty plea dragged the victims through a traumatic trial, adding insult to serious injury. He was driving on the wrong side of the road. Two victims still undergo treatment more than seven months later. His cowardice in leaving them injured will haunt him during this sentence.”
