A hit-and-run driver who was caught onboard a ferry after vanishing from the scene of a high-speed crash has been locked up. Juraj Kozar was behind the wheel of a blue Suzuki SX4 when he drove at speeds topping 93mph in a 30mph zone.
The 29-year-old hurtled into a VW Polo, injuring himself and seriously hurting two others. An alert was put out for his arrest after he callously rushed away from the scene of the smash in Wolverhampton.
Police soon located him more than 200 miles away on a ferry which had already left Folkestone, Kent. The ferry then returned to port and Kozar was arrested.
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The crash took place in Goldthorn Hill, Wolverhampton, on the evening of February 16. Kozar’s 17-year-old passenger was left with severe injuries.
A woman in her 60s from the VW Polo was also seriously injured and needed life-saving surgery in hospital. Both victims suffered life-changing injuries and are continuing lengthy recoveries, West Midlands Police said.
Two days after the crash, the convict was located aboard a ferry from Folkestone. The ferry had already set sail but then returned to port so the defendant could be taken into custody.
Kozar – of Warsash Close, Wolverhampton – admitted two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop after a collision and driving without a licence or insurance. He was jailed for four years and handed a seven-year driving ban at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, May 17.
PC Gail Arnold, of the force’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “Kozar’s actions that night have had life-changing consequences, not only to those injured, but their loved ones. The family of the driver of the other vehicle was told that she suffered injuries that she should not have survived.
“She spent two weeks sedated to give her body time to adjust to the shock and trauma her body had experienced. Kozar’s passenger also had life-saving surgery and has spent many weeks in hospital.
“I hope Kozar’s time in prison gives him chance to reflect on his selfish actions, and how a moment of speed exhilaration can have such devastating consequences.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
