A speeding motorist who killed a beloved grandfather in a horrific hit-and-run collision in Bradford has been jailed for more than ten years.
Reckless Driving Captured on CCTV
Robert Nagoda, 28, was driving a Honda Jazz at an estimated speed of between 56mph and 70mph in a 30mph zone moments before the fatal crash. Shocking police-released footage shows the vehicle hurtling along residential streets, mounting pavements and navigating roundabouts incorrectly in a display of appalling driving.
The incident occurred on Little Horton Lane in Bradford, West Yorkshire, on September 27. Nagoda's car careered into 68-year-old Darrell Dalton, who later died from his injuries. The driver then fled the scene without stopping.
A Family's Heartbreaking Loss
At Bradford Crown Court, Nagoda, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in prison. He was also banned from driving for ten years. He had admitted a catalogue of offences including:
- Causing death by dangerous driving
- Taking a vehicle without consent
- Causing death while driving without a licence or insurance
- Failing to stop and failing to report a collision
In a moving victim impact statement, Mr Dalton's daughter described her father as the 'Grumpy Grandad' whose face would light up when seeing his grandson. "I miss us speaking every night," she said. "This should never have happened. No licence and driving, it should never have happened. I'm angry is an understatement."
Justice Served But No Comfort
Detective Sergeant Steve Suggitt of West Yorkshire Police stated that Nagoda's "reckless actions... ruined the lives of Mr Dalton's whole family." He emphasised that the tragic case underscores the devastating consequences of dangerous driving.
"Nagoda showed no regard for the rules of the road and even after he hit him, he drove away like nothing had happened," DS Suggitt said. While acknowledging that the sentence cannot bring Darrell Dalton back, he hoped it would provide some comfort to the grieving family knowing the offender is behind bars.
The family's anguish continues, compounded by having to explain a profound loss to a young child. "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," Mr Dalton's daughter added.
