More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A dangerous driver who knocked down and killed a pedestrian before setting fire to the car to destroy forensic evidence has been jailed.
Nathan Clifton, 29, was driving a red Peugeot 207 in Dover on Saturday, November 9 when he collided with Michael Evans.
Clifton did not stop and, instead, fled.
Mr Evans, 53 and from Dover, suffered multiple injuries and died at the scene.
A police appeal was released to track down the driver and Clifton was caught by police after once again trying to evade justice.
Today, a judge at Canterbury Crown Court jailed him for six and a half years.
At the time of the collision, witnesses reported seeing the Peugeot travelling at what they estimated was up to 60mph in nearby streets.
Mr Evans was crossing Frith Road when he was knocked down by the car, which was owned by an associate of Clifton's.
Clifton failed to stop after the collision or report it to police and instead drove to an allotment and set fire to the car to destroy forensic evidence.
Nearly two weeks later, on Friday, November 22, police officers saw him driving another car in the town and attempted to stop him.
Clifton got out and ran off before being Tasered by a police officer.
A knuckleduster he had discarded was found nearby.
In an interview, he admitted colliding with Mr Evans and said he had taken cocaine and drunk alcohol at a party the night before the incident.
At a court hearing on Tuesday this week, he admitted causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving while disqualified, driving while disqualified, attempting to pervert the course of justice and possession of an offensive weapon.
He returned to court today for sentencing.
Det Con Robert Fursey, Kent Police's investigating officer, said: "Clifton should not have been behind the wheel on the day he knocked down and killed Mr Evans.
"He should certainly not have been driving dangerously through a busy town centre.
"I hope his jailing will give the victim's family some sense that justice has been done."
"Instead of stopping and attempting to help Mr Evans, Clifton drove off and sought to avoid responsibility for his fatal actions.
"The thorough investigation carried out by Kent Police has left him no choice but to plead guilty to multiple charges and I hope his jailing will give the victim's family some sense that justice has been done."
Tributes were paid to Mr Evans at the time of his death by friends and his cousin .
Mr Evan’s cousin Gloria Stokely, from South Carolina in America, told KentOnline's sister paper The Mercury: “Michael didn’t deserve to die like this.
“This was such a tragic incident and Michael will be dearly missed."
His landlord of 17 years, Glen Virtue, said it was a privilege to have known Mr Evans.
He said: “I met Michael through Porchlight who were looking to rehouse him.
"Due to his learning difficulties nobody wanted him. I saw something I liked though.
"He was often wandering around town in his Liverpool shirt. A gentle harmless giant. I’d often sit in Dickens Cafe having a coffee with him.
"Once two well-heeled estate agents offered me a coffee and a chat. Obviously touting for business. I sat with Michael instead which Michael took great delight in. "
Mr Evans was the adopted son of Robert and Vivienne Evans of Dover who are both now deceased.
He was born James Carter in January 1966 in Chelmsford.
He attended St Mary’s Primary School and grew up in Guilford Avenue, Whitfield but spent the last 18 years living ‘a simple life’ in Salisbury Road.
Michael loved to swim. In 1984, he was part of a group of six swimmers with mental disabilities who helped raise funds for Disabled Olympics.
Mrs Stokely added: "He loved watching rugby and football. He enjoyed our visits to England and going to see the sights with us.
"He loved travelling, especially to America, and visiting family.
"He visited the Kennedy Space Center and Disney World as well as some of the parks. He had hoped to visit America again."
