Robert Nagoda was driving a Honda Jazz at speeds of between 56mph and 70mph in a 30mph zone when he collided with Darrell Dalton, 68, who died of his injuries
A reckless motorist who smashed his vehicle into a beloved father – fatally injuring the man – has been jailed for ten years and eight months.
Robert Nagoda, 28, is believed to have been hurtling the Honda Jazz at double the speed limit when he crashed into Darrell Dalton. Disturbing CCTV footage reveals the motor spinning out of control, even navigating roundabouts in the wrong direction moments before the deadly collision.
Bradford Crown Court was told he struck Mr Dalton, 68, minutes afterwards on Little Horton Lane in Bradford, West Yorkshire, with the victim succumbing to his wounds. Yesterday, Nagoda received the lengthy prison sentence alongside a decade-long driving ban.
Following the hearing at Bradford Crown Court, Mr Dalton’s daughter said: “I miss us speaking every night. I miss him coming to our home and watching his face change as my son screamed Grandad and threw himself at him.”
West Yorkshire Police issued the footage above showing Nagoda’s reckless motoring, which occurred moments before the smash on September 27. He was travelling at an estimated velocity of between 56mph and 70mph when the impact occurred in the 30mph zone, before fleeing the scene, reports the Mirror.
However, Nagoda, of no fixed address, has since pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, taking a vehicle without consent, and causing death while driving without a licence. He also confessed to failing to stop at a scene of a collision, causing death while driving without insurance and failing to report a collision.
The defendant appeared in court yesterday for sentencing. Mr Dalton’s daughter went on to say: “My dad was affectionately known as ‘Grumpy Grandad’. That never applied when he saw my son. Only smiles and sharing strawberries cuddled on the sofa watching kids TV together. This should never have happened. No licence and driving, it should never have happened. I’m angry is an understatement.
“Not only do I live this pain now, I’ll always have to live it because every time my son comes to me and tells me he misses his grandad. I have to feel not only my loss but my son’s loss too.”
Detective Sergeant Steve Suggitt, of West Yorkshire Police, commented: “The reckless actions of Nagoda that day ruined the lives of a Mr Dalton’s whole family.
“This tragic incident shows the serious consequences of dangerous driving. Nagoda showed no regards for the rules of the road and even after he hit him, he drove away like nothing had happened.
“Whilst today’s sentence will do nothing to bring Darrell back to his family, I hope the sentence gives them comfort knowing that Nagoda is behind bars.”