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A dangerous driver who killed a beloved motorcyclist leaving his family’s lives in tatters has been jailed.
Arber Rama’s Mercedez sped past a taxi in a 40mph zone when he crashed head-on with Callum Lee in Canterbury Road, Densole.
The doting father-of-two left his home for fuel moments before Rama’s E-Class swung into his lane causing the high-speed crash.
The 25-year-old's grieving family re-lived the tragedy at Canterbury Crown Court today as Rama, 22, pleaded to be spared prison.
But Judge Simon James jailed Rama for three and-a-half years saying it was “impossible not to be moved by the outpouring of raw emotion his death had caused.”
Mr Lee’s parents and partner told how Rama destroyed their lives and still “half expect” their loved one to be on the end of the phone when it rings.
The crash happened in the early evening of November 15 in 2018.
His mum in a statement read out in court said their “worlds came crashing down” after police gave news of Mr Lee’s death.
"Our lives have been ripped apart. (We) try and smile, being normal - but there is no normal.
"Whoever says time is a good healer has never lost a child.
"Every single day is an empty day - there is no such thing as a good day - only better days.
"I feel cheated, robbed of my son every single day - I will never be the same again."
'I feel cheated, robbed of my son every single day - I will never be the same again...'
She told of her dread meeting new people when the conversation turns to children and how she cringes when a loud motorbike passes.
Mr Lee’s father went on to express how his son would often correctly predict Manchester United’s 3-1 wins.
"When the phone rings I half expect it to be Callum. I still can’t delete his number from my phone,” he added.
Mr Lee, a support worker who dedicated his life to help others was a “safe and steady driver”, “caring, loving partner” and doting father, his partner added.
She called Mr Lee her “soul mate” and described how the crash happened “a stone’s throw” from their home.
"When police knocked on my door to tell me Callum had been killed my world fell apart,” she added.
"Everyday with Callum was a happy one filled with joy, we used to joke that we were like an old married couple, staying in during the evening rather than going out getting drunk, like most people our age."
She spoke of her anxiety and her children's anguish, who heartbreakingly believe their dad is only at work.
Her family and his could be seen comforting each other as their heart-wrenching statements were read by prosecutor Simon Taylor.
Mitigating, Oliver Saxby QC told how psychiatrists deemed Rama “psychologically fragile” with PTSD and wanted to apologise to the family.
'It is clear from all that I have heard that he was a young man who devoted his life to helping others...'
He added his client was still a young man whose family fled war-torn Kosovo when he was a child, of good character, remorseful, regretful and suffers nightmares, and had also penned a letter to the judge pleading to pay back society.
Judge Simon James said: "There is in reality, little I can say or indeed do within the confines of the sentencing guidelines, which is likely to comfort those who knew and loved Callum Lee.
"A well loved only son, the long term partner of Melanie, who he knew since childhood and the father of two daughters.
"It is clear from all that I have heard that he was a young man who devoted his life to helping others.
"His loss has understandably left a void in the lives of so many, whose lives have been left in tatters and it is impossible not to be moved by the outpouring of raw emotion that his death has caused.
"However it is also clear that others too, including you Arber Rama, will be irreparably impacted by the evens of this tragic night.
"Although it was your dangerous driving that caused his death, it is clear to me from all that you too will take some time to recover.
"But recover you will.
"You are young and have a strong faith, and are fortunate to enjoy the support of a loving family who I have no doubt will do all they can to help you move forward with your life.
"However, that is an opportunity which has been denied to Callum Lee’s family by your reckless and dangerous driving.
Wearing a white shirt and looking forward throughout the hearing, Rama, of Hollowmead in Canterbury, was handed a three and half year prison sentence.
He was also given a one year sentence for causing serious injury by dangerous driving to a second motorist.
The court heard Susan Bondzio was also hurt in the crash.
PC Christopher Oliver-Jones, investigating officer for Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This tragic incident shows how dangerous driving can have a devastating impact on so many lives.
"Arber's dangerous overtaking manoeuvre has ended a young man's life, caused a passing pedestrian a serious injury and will now see him lose his liberty.
"I urge drivers in Kent to heed to the tragic consequences of this incident and drive safely and with consideration of other road-users at all times."
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