Fugitive facing court over crash that left his ex fighting for life
A MAN who fled Northern Ireland after being accused of causing injuries to his ex-girlfriend in a car crash is due in court this morning.
Anastassiya Phillips (19) from Lisburn was left paralysed on March 15, 2015.
Her boyfriend at the time Beres Szabolcs was charged with dangerous driving causing grievous bodily injuries.
The Hungarian failed to attend a court hearing in Downpatrick in January last year, and has been living on the Continent.
While Ms Phillips was forced to give up a course in events management due to her injuries, Szabolcs married in Italy while on the run.
Her father Paul said police informed him the accused was finally arrested in Copenhagen last Monday and is due to appear in Belfast Magistrates Court today. “We want to get justice for her and we were delighted to hear he was arrested,” he said.
Anastassiya sustained multiple broken bones in her back and had a collapsed lung.
“It has been unbelievable for the family, the stress we’ve been under, never mind what Anastassiya has had to endure,” he dad said.
“This is a guy who has been accused of reckless driving and has been at large and has had no contact with Anastassiya.
“We want justice so she can get on with her life, whatever way she can after such horrific injuries.
It’s understood Szabolcs — also known as Alexander Sandor — had been working in an Irish bar in the Danish capital for about five months when he was arrested.
“We’re just grateful he’s being brought back to the courts, they can decide what to do with him,” said Mr Phillips.
“Anastassiya told me: ‘Thank God after all this time he’s go- ing to face what he should have faced three years ago, just leave it in the hands of court and God’.”
Having been left with no choice but to leave education in November, Anastassiya’s father explained: “She’s focusing on her health for now and, God willing, she can readdress her education at some point in the future.
“But for now we’re just delighted this guy has been brought to the courts.”