Driver from Leicester fled and was extradited from Romania to face justice

A driver who fled abroad after a serious collision in Leicester has been returned to this country and jailed.

Police said Radu Covaci stole alcohol from a supermarket in Upperton Road in July 2019 and fled in a silver Toyota Yaris with clone plates.

As staff rushed into the parking lot to stop him from leaving, a worker was hit by the car driven by Covaci.

The victim, now in his 40s, suffered serious head injuries with long-lasting effects.

When police visited the 33-year-old’s address in connection with the hit-and-run and another supermarket theft, they were told he had returned to his native Romania.

After the charges were authorized in his absence, an extradition agreement was sought, and Romanian police later detained Covaci at a border crossing in October 2023.

Covaci, of Somerville Road, Rowley Fields, Leicester, was brought back to face charges of grievous bodily harm, disqualified driving and driving without insurance.

Police said he pleaded guilty when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court and was sentenced on Thursday to a total of 32 months in prison and banned from driving for three years.

Sgt Sian Harris-Ley, the investigating officer, who applied for the extradition agreement, said: “When I got that phone call to say he had been arrested I couldn’t believe it.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Covaci believed he would avoid this outcome and not have to face the consequences of his actions.”