Man who killed pensioner in 30mph unicycle crash is jailed

A man has been jailed after killing a pensioner when he collided with him on an electric unicycle.

Tudor Manolache, from Luton, was riding the one-wheel electric vehicle on the pavement when it crashed into 88-year-old Leonard Bailey.

It was estimated that Manolache, 39, was travelling between 20mph and 30mph when the accident took place on Hatters Way in Luton, on September 5 last year.

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Mr Bailey was taken to hospital and died of his injuries a few weeks later.

Now police have issued a stark warning about the dangers of similar light electric vehicles.

Detective Sergeant David Burstow, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire serious collisions unit, said: "This is a precedential case as it is the first prosecution in our area resulting from a fatal collision involving a personal light electric vehicle.

"As the vehicle was propelled solely by an electric motor, it is classified as a motor vehicle which means it requires the same documentation as a car in order to be ridden on a road or public place.

"Manolache has taken full responsibility and is very remorseful for causing the collision which led to the sad death of Mr Bailey.

"Our thoughts remain with Mr Bailey's family and friends."

He added: "I want to take this opportunity to remind people that use of a personal light electric vehicle such as this, or the more common two-wheel scooter, is illegal on the road or a public place, except in official trial areas on trial vehicles.

"Even then, use on the footpath remains illegal, owing to the increased risk to pedestrians."

Manolache had been riding a Begode RS, a single-wheel electric vehicle, which to operate the rider stands on it and leans in order to accelerate, brake and steer.

Manolache was sentenced at Luton Crown Court to 14 months in prison on Friday, July 21, after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving and causing death whilst uninsured or unlicensed.

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