2 days ago
Tribute to 'beloved' grandad as speeding driver jailed
A family has paid tribute to a "beloved" grandad after a speeding driver was jailed for causing his Predoiu, 66, died after being hit by a car driven by Zakariya Navid in Alfreton Road, Nottingham, on 17 March 26, who was driving his Audi A3 between 56mph and 58mph, twice the 30mph speed limit, was jailed for 26 months after admitting causing death by careless driving and driving while 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.
Nottingham Crown Court heard Navid initially fled following the collision but returned shortly afterwards and handed himself in to police.A subsequent investigation revealed Navid had no valid insurance at the time of the crash and attempted to deceive officers by purchasing a policy moments after the also claimed Mr Predoiu had stepped into the road in front of his Audi A3, denying any wrongdoing. Forensic collision experts concluded Navid was driving at approximately 60mph in a 30mph zone and had failed to brake in who was 23 at the time, pleaded guilty on 28 May 2025 to causing death by careless driving and causing death by driving while uninsured.
'Inexcusable'
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."Judge Steven Coupland told Navid that "no sentence can begin to reflect all that has been lost" and described his actions as "inexcusable".While accepting Navid had shown remorse and was otherwise a "hard-working individual", the judge said the seriousness of the offence "crossed the custodial threshold".As well as being jailed for 26 months, Navid was disqualified from driving for two years, with the ban taking effect from his release on licence halfway through his 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."
