Driver jailed after fatal Cliffe crash

A hit-and-run driver who caused the death of a pedestrian in Cliffe has been jailed.

Jordan Bannon collided with 27 year old Benjamin Allen on Station Road at around 2.10am on 18 December 2021.

With Bannon failing to stop, Mr Allen was found by a passing member of public and declared deceased at the scene by paramedics shortly afterwards.

Following a search of the village by officers, a damaged grey Volkswagen Scirocco was located outside Bannon’s Church Street address. Car parts left at the scene of the collision were later matched to the vehicle.

Entry was forced and Bannon, who had gone to sleep after the collision, was arrested at 5.05am.

The 33 year old was charged with causing death by careless driving and causing death whilst unlicensed, both of which he denied at court.

Jailed

A Maidstone Crown Court trial followed in March 2026 with the jury finding Bannon guilty of the offences.

He was sentenced at the same court on Tuesday 23 June 2026 to 1 year and 8 months in prison. He was also disqualified from driving for 3 years and will require an extended re-test.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Kayleigh Archer said:

‘This is a tragic loss of life that could have been avoided had Bannon paid due care and attention. ‘His decision to drive that night has cut an innocent life short and left his victim’s family without a beloved son and brother.  As a much loved teacher, the impact of his loss has been felt throughout the local community.' ‘For Bannon to hit someone and leave them dying in the road shows his utter lack of humanity, and to deny any culpability demonstrates his complete lack of remorse. ‘While the consequences of his actions are irreparable, we hope that Bannon’s sentence will give those affected some measure of closure and a sense that justice has been served.’