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Suspended sentence for Ipswich driver who tried to buy airline ticket after serious collision

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A driver who hit a pedestrian in Ipswich attempted to purchase an airline ticket following the collision, a court has heard. Florin Mazarache later returned to the scene but failed to report his involvement to emergency services.

The big picture: Mazarache, 26, of Geneva Road, was given a 15-month suspended sentence at Ipswich Crown Court on 29 November after admitting causing serious injury by careless driving, failing to stop, and failing to report a collision.

How it happened:

  • The collision occurred on Portman Road near Barrack Corner on 15 October when Mazarache's car struck a woman who had fallen into the road.

  • Instead of stopping to help, he drove to his home.

  • Evidence showed he tried to purchase an airline ticket after the incident.

  • He later returned to the scene, but police body-worn cameras captured his presence while he failed to identify himself to emergency services.

  • Officers later arrested him at his home.

Ipswich Crown Court
Mazarache, 26, of Geneva Road, was given a 15-month suspended sentence at Ipswich Crown Court on 29 NovemberOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The impact: The female pedestrian was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, with head injuries described as "life-changing" from which she will never fully recover.

The sentence:

  • 15-month suspended custodial sentence for causing serious injury by careless driving

  • Two concurrent four-month suspended terms for failing to stop and report

  • 15 days' rehabilitation

  • 12-month driving ban

  • 250 hours unpaid community work

  • £500 costs

What they're saying: Dc Mark Simpson said: "This investigation shows that police will actively pursue drivers who flee the scene of collisions and believe they can evade being brought to justice."

Bottom line: Despite initially denying the offences and attempting to evade responsibility, evidence gathered by police led to Mazarache's conviction for a collision that has permanently affected his victim's life.

Happiness Club by Samantha Brook

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Most of us spend our lives in the pursuit of Happiness. If you are among the many who are on that journey, then this book is what you need.

Samantha Brook

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Police urgently seek dashcam footage as murder investigation hones in on Christmas Day

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Proud supporters of independent local journalism in Ipswich

Detectives investigating the murder of William "Billy" McNicholl in Ipswich are focusing their enquiries on Christmas Day, urging drivers to check their dash-cam footage from the Chantry area.

The big picture: Seven days before Mr McNicholl's body was discovered, vehicles travelling through several key areas of Chantry may have captured crucial evidence. Police are concentrating their investigation on the following areas from 25 December:

  • Hawthorn Drive

  • Gippeswyk Park

  • Birkfield Drive

  • Belstead Road

Map of interest from Suffolk Police investigating the murder of Billy McNicholl
Detectives investigating the murder of William "Billy" McNicholl in Ipswich are urging drivers to check their dash-cam footage from the Chantry areaSuffolk Constabulary

What they're saying: Detective Inspector Mark Hughes of the Joint Major Investigation Team said: "Perhaps you had visitors who would have driven along the roads in the Hawthorn Drive, Gippeswyk Park, Birkfield Drive and Belstead Road areas, or you may have done so yourself."

Key details:

  • Mr McNicholl, 63, was found deceased on 1 January at an address in Hawthorn Drive

  • A post-mortem indicated he died from head injuries and a single stab wound

  • A woman in her 50s arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed until 9 April

How to help: Information can be provided through:

The bottom line: Police are urging both residents and visitors who were in the Chantry area on Christmas Day to review any dash-cam footage, saying even small pieces of information could be vital to the investigation.

Happiness Club by Samantha Brook

Get the book!

Most of us spend our lives in the pursuit of Happiness. If you are among the many who are on that journey, then this book is what you need.

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