Driver admits causing hit-and-run death in Aberdeen

Gabriel Lungu, who was from Romania, died in 2021

A driver has admitted causing the hit-and-run death of a motorist in Aberdeen.

Connor Wilson, 23, failed to reduce his speed approaching a junction in 2021 and hit a car being driven by Gabriel Lungu, 43, who later died in hospital.

Wilson and a passenger fled the scene but were later traced.

Wilson, of Westhill, Aberdeenshire, admitted causing death by driving dangerously and at excessive speed. Sentencing was deferred.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that forensic analysis placed him in the driver's seat of the VW Golf and his DNA was found on the steering wheel.

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He was caught on footage driving at 56mph seconds before the collision on the approach to a junction at Hilton Avenue and Hilton Drive. The area has a 30mph speed limit and a recommendation that drivers stick to 20mph.

Wilson drove with a deflated front nearside tyre, failed to adhere to road signs and markings, failed to reduce speed on the approach to a junction, failed to give way to other road users, and collided with the car driven by Mr Lungu.

Mr Lungu, a Romanian who moved to the UK in 2011, worked in the construction industry.

The crash happened in Aberdeen

After the crash he managed to get out of the extensively damaged vehicle he was driving but was in pain and was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

It was discovered he sustained a ruptured vein and he underwent emergency surgery, but died from abdominal injuries following the collision.

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Prosecutor Eric Robertson told the court that the partner of Mr Lungu was not in "a sufficient emotional state" to attend the court proceedings.

Wilson's defence counsel Kelly Duling asked that bail be continued. She said he had never previously received a custodial sentence and was subject to sentencing guidelines for young people.

She said custody was "not totally inevitable".

'Stark reminder'

But Lord Fairley remanded Wilson in custody ahead of sentencing.

The judge said it was an extremely serious offence and the likelihood of him not going to prison was "negligible".

The sentencing of Wilson, a barber, was adjourned until 7 May.

Relatives of Mr Lungu previously described him as a "much-loved husband, father, grandfather and friend" who was "truly-one-in-a-million" and the "most selfless, caring, and kind man you could ever wish to know".

Insp Steve Manson of Police Scotland, who led the investigation, said: "No conviction or sentence will ever reflect the devastating impact this has had on Mr Lungu's family but I hope this conviction will bring some form of justice. Our thoughts remain with them.

"Connor Wilson's reckless actions lead to Gabriel Lungu's death and he now faces the consequences of that.

"It's a stark reminder that drivers are responsible for their actions and the risks they take have lasting implications not only for themselves, but also for other road users."