Death-Driver Jailed For One-Way Tragedy

A hit-and-run driver, who killed a 63 year-old pedestrian while reversing the wrong way down a one-way street, has been jailed.

Adrian Knox-Hooke, 30, of Baker Street, Enfield, pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving at the Old Bailey.

He was sentenced to six years imprisonment and disqualified from driving for eight years.

The court heard that at around 11.50pm on Saturday, August 5, 2017, Knox-Hooke reversed his Mercedes A180 around 20 metres down Gladstone Way, a one-way street in Harrow.

As he carried out the illegal manoeuvre, he collided with Rajesh Naik, who was crossing the road.

Officers attended the scene alongside London Ambulance Service and found Mr. Naik with a serious head injury.

He was taken to hospital where he died a few days later.

Knox-Hooke failed to stop at the scene and although he returned on foot minutes later, he failed to inform officers of his involvement.

An investigation was launched and he was arrested the next day and subsequently charged.

Detective Sergeant Ben Massink from the Met's Road and Transport Policing Command, who led the investigation, said: "The sudden death of Mr. Naik was brought about solely by the dangerous and dishonest actions of a man who has now been sentenced to six years in prison.

"Although this outcome will not bring Mr Naik back, we hope it will bring them some comfort and closure.

"This was what can only be described as a tragedy and our thoughts remain with Mr Naik's family and friends."

Mr Naik's son, Kaushil Naik, spoke on behalf of the family.

He said: "It is hard to put into words how painful this incident has been for us, and to try to convey the grief and loss we feel at the death of my father.

“It is beyond words. We are such a close family and all truly love each other so much, and my father was such a big part of that.

“Losing him has left a void in our family that only he could fill."