Driver jailed for killing 'true gent' in crash

A man who killed a "true gent and a pillar of the community" while driving without insurance has been sentenced to six years in prison.

Surrey Police said David Haggard, 53, was driving on Croydon Lane in Banstead in March 2023 when he clipped a kerb three times then drifted into the path of Jack Charalambous, who was driving in the opposite direction.

The family of Charalambous, who died at the scene of the crash, said they were "devastated" by the loss of "a loving partner, brother, father, and grandfather".

Haggard, of Willow Close in Beare Green, Surrey, was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving at trial and jailed on Tuesday at Kingston Crown Court.

Charalambous ran a barber shop in Thornton Heath, London, for 40 years, according to his family.

In a statement on Tuesdaythey described him as "a larger-than-life character who loved people and brought laughter to everyone he knew".

"As a family we thank the two witnesses who stopped to help Jack in his final moments of life and for being there for him," they said.

"No sentence will ever be enough for the reckless behaviour of Haggard, who showed his true colours during the nine-day-trial.

"Thankfully the jury recognised his guilt, and our sincere thanks are extended to them, the judge, and everyone involved in putting this man behind bars."

Haggard was also guilty of causing death while driving uninsured, for which he will serve a concurrent sentence.

He was disqualified from driving for nine years, 11 months and will have to pass an extended test should he try to regain his licence.

Surrey Police investigating officer Amilia Bishop said Charalambous's family "had to endure unimaginable loss as a result of this incident".

"I would like to thank them for their patience and grace throughout the trial, which has been incredibly difficult for them," she said.

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