Tribute to 'beloved' man as speeding driver jailed

Vasile Predoiu was hit by a car driven by Zakariya Navid in March 2023

A family has paid tribute to a "beloved" grandad after a speeding driver was jailed for causing his death.

Vasile Predoiu, 66, died at the scene after he was hit by a car driven by Zakariya Navid in Alfreton Road, Nottingham, on 17 March 2023.

Navid, 26, who was driving his Audi A3 between 56mph and 58mph, nearly twice the 30mph speed limit, was jailed for 26 months after admitting causing death by careless driving and driving while uninsured.

In a statement read out during sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday, Mr Predoiu's family described him as a "happy man" who was deeply committed to his wife of nearly 50 years, their children, and grandchildren.

Navid was jailed for 26 months at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday

Nottinghamshire Police said Navid initially fled but returned shortly afterwards and handed himself in.

A subsequent investigation revealed Navid had no valid insurance at the time of the crash, and police said he attempted to deceive officers by purchasing a policy moments after.

He also claimed Mr Predoiu had stepped into the road in front of his car, denying any wrongdoing.

Forensic collision experts concluded Navid was driving at approximately 60mph in a 30mph zone and had failed to brake in time.

Navid, who was 23 at the time, pleaded guilty on 28 May to causing death by careless driving and causing death by driving while uninsured.

'Devastating impact'

The family statement said Mr Predoiu liked "simple things and he found his happiness with his family".

"He often helped his friends who had no work by bringing them food," the statement said.

"He found satisfaction in being useful and in giving something back to the community.

"He was also an extremely wise man. He had a kind word to say to every person around him and he tried to help everyone."

As well as his jail sentence, Navid was disqualified from driving for two years, with the ban taking effect from his release on licence halfway through his sentence.

Following the sentencing, Det Con Emma Temple, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: "This was a needless and tragic loss of life that has had a devastating impact on Mr Predoiu's family and the wider community."