A van driver who failed to check his rear-view camera before carrying out a manoeuvre causing a fatal collision in Weymouth has been jailed.
Edgaras Kondratas, aged 41 and of Southampton, appeared at Winchester Crown Court to be sentenced on Friday 6 December 2024 after being found guilty at an earlier trial of causing death by driving without due care and consideration while over the specified limit for a controlled drug.
He was sentenced to three years in prison and disqualified from driving for three years following his release from prison.
At around 12.50pm on Tuesday 2 May 2023 a 94-year-old woman was crossing the road in Wooland Gardens in Wyke Regis when a Mercedes Sprinter van, which was reversing, collided with her.
The women died at the scene as a result of her injuries.
Kondratas failed a roadside impairment test and was arrested at the scene.
Analysis of the defendant’s blood sample showed the presence of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – a psychoactive constituent of cannabis – at a concentration of 2.8 micrograms per litre of blood. The specified limit is two micrograms per litre of blood.
The defendant stated in interview that he had checked his mirrors before reversing, but had not looked at his rear-view camera, which would have shown the victim behind his vehicle. The rear parking sensors on the van were also not in working order.
Following the sentencing hearing, the family of Belinda said in a statement: “My mother, Belinda Bentley, was killed on a bright summer’s day while walking, close to the home she had lived in for almost 30 years.
“The place she died is a popular walking route for children, families, dog walkers; a place that she, and Wyke Regis people of all ages, consider quiet and safe.
“I hope anyone reading this story is reminded when they are driving to always always take care, be constantly observant, and to allow for the unexpected, however quiet, and peaceful the road.
“My mum is missed, every day, by her family and her many friends, and her neighbours in Wooland Gardens.”
Police Constable Leanne Howes, of Dorset Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: “Edgaras Kondratas’ inconsiderate driving while over the specified drug limit has had devastating consequences, resulting in the death of a much-loved woman.
“This case is an example of how a careless omission to check a rear-view camera before carrying out a manoeuvre in a van can result in a tragic outcome.
“We want to highlight the importance to all motorists of ensuring they drive with diligence and remain vigilant to all road users when behind the wheel of a vehicle.
“We remain committed to doing everything we can to ensure those who drive without due care and consideration while under the influence and flout road traffic laws are identified and brought before the courts.”
In support of the national Christmas drink and drug drive Operation Limit campaign, Dorset Police are encouraging communities to report a drink or drug driver and work together to prevent a collision happening in their area. Call 999 with vehicle details and direction of travel or contact the police online to provide information about someone who is suspected of driving while under the influence.
Edgaras Kondratas
Belinda Bentley