Dangerous driver jailed for killing man on the M20

A pedestrian was killed on the M20 by a dangerous driver who was using WhatsApp in the moments leading up to the impact.

Ionut Bejan sent and edited messages and updated a group chat picture while driving before he struck a man with his heavily overloaded van.

At around 10.10pm on 14 February 2025, a family travelling coastbound on the motorway pulled onto the hard shoulder between junctions eight and nine, near Charing.

The driver turned on the hazard lights and exited the blue Kia Carens to investigate what he believed to be a mechanical defect.

However, as 71 year old Zdzislaw Tarbaj stepped out of the car, he was struck by Bejan’s Iveco box van at speed.

Emergency services were called to the scene where Mr Tarbaj was confirmed deceased.

Bejan was arrested and an investigation commenced.

Overloaded vehicle

Enquiries revealed the van, which was subject to a maximum load weight of 3,500 kilograms, was in fact carrying a load weighing more than 5,000 kilograms.

A review of Bejan’s phone also found nine messages he sent to a group chat between 10.06pm and 10.17pm, one of which had been edited and cannot be done hands-free.

Bejan, of Laburnum Grove in Hereford, Herefordshire, was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

Sentenced

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced before Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday 12 November to nine years and nine months’ imprisonment.

The 23 year old has also been disqualified from driving for 13 years and six months and will be required to pass an extended driving test.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Kayleigh Archer, said:

‘A devoted husband, father, and grandfather has lost his life due to the reckless decisions and negligence of one man. ‘Bejan chose to use his mobile device while driving, he chose to knowingly drive an overloaded van, and in doing so he chose to break the law. ‘The victim’s family, who were present at the time of the incident, have been left traumatised by the loss of whom they describe as a ‘hero, storyteller, and guiding light’. ‘We hope the lengthy custodial sentence imposed by the judge brings them some closure. ‘Our message to all motorists is to drive responsibly; observe the speed limit, do not use any mobile devices while driving, remain alert and ensure your vehicle remains roadworthy throughout the journey. Failure to follow the law could cost lives.’