Driver who caused death had 17 points on his driving licence
MAN AVOIDED BAN AFTER ‘EXCEPTIONAL HARDSHIP’ CLAIM
A CAR driver who caused the death of a young airman who had been riding a motorcycle had 17 points on his licence, but had not been banned from the roads.
Costel Matei had managed to keep his licence by arguing in the past that he would suffer “exceptional hardship” if he were disqualified.
He was using a fraudulent policy of insurance at the time that had been obtained online, Hull Crown Court heard.
Matei, 26, of Lambton Street, Hull, admitted causing the death of George Ellis by careless driving on July 24 last year.
He was driving a Renault Clio when it was in collision with a motorcycle ridden by Mr Ellis on the A1035 at Tickton.
He told the court via a Romanian interpreter: “Yes, I plead guilty.”
Matei denied a charge of causing death by driving while uninsured.
No evidence will be offered on that charge. Mr Ellis suffered injuries in the accident and died a week later while in intensive care at Hull Royal Infirmary on July 31 last year.
Prosecutor Jeremy Evans told the court that Matei had no previous conviction but had 17 points on his licence.
Drivers can normally have up to only 12 points before risking losing their licence, but applications not to lose a licence can be made in certain situations.
Matei had previously successfully argued that he would suffer exceptional hardship because of family and work matters, the court heard.
Defence barrister Dale Brook said that the insurance was obtained online, but was fraudulent.
“It was done on his behalf or by him and he is responsible for the information inputted,” said Mr Brook.
Sentence was adjourned for reports until January and Matei was allowed conditional bail. An interim driving ban was imposed.
Judge John Thackray QC told Matei: “You have pleaded guilty to a serious offence. You are now disqualified from driving.
“That means that, if you do drive a motor vehicle, you will be subject to a term of imprisonment.”
Matei was warned that all options were open at the next hearing, including prison.
Members of the family of Mr Ellis and the police were in court for the hearing. Afterwards, they declined to comment at this stage.
Mr Ellis had won accolades in the RAF for his performance in basic training and as a student.
His funeral took place in Aldbrough in September last year and, as a tribute to him, an RAF Hawk flew low overhead.
Some of his RAF colleagues took part in a two-day, 160-mile bike ride from Southport to Hull to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.