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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

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.

Samantha Brook

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From Christmas dips to Santa dashes: How Suffolk came together for hospice appeal

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Happiness Club

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Local businesses and community members have helped raise over £158,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice through various festive fundraisers, including the Christmas Day Dip, Santa Dash and Christmas Jumper Day.

Why it matters: The record-breaking amount will help provide free care services to more than 1,300 people living with progressive and life-limiting illnesses across the region.

Christmas Day Dip 2024
Christmas Day Dip 2024St Elizabeth Hospice

The big picture: The 2024 Be a Star appeal has edged past last year's total of £157,000, with donations still coming in. The campaign's Matched Giving Week alone raised over £46,662 thanks to support from local businesses between 2 and 8 December.

Behind the scenes: Lisa Parrish, Director of Care at St Elizabeth Hospice, said the festive period was "particularly busy" for the hospice:

  • The Ipswich Inpatient Unit supported over 15 patients between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day

  • Community teams continued working across the region, helping families create "precious memories"

The Santa Dash was a great success
The Santa Dash was a great successSt Elizabeth Hospice

What they're saying: "Thank you so much to everybody who supported our Be a Star over Christmas. You really are all superstars, and your generosity has made such a difference to the hospice and to all the patients under our care," said Pauline Donkin, Head of Fundraising at St Elizabeth Hospice.

The bottom line: The successful campaign demonstrates how community-driven fundraising events can make a significant impact on local healthcare services, with every penny raised supporting vital hospice care across the region.

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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