A driver who fatally struck a man on the M20 motorway while distracted by his mobile phone and driving a dangerously overloaded van has been sentenced to nearly ten years in prison.
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Ionut Bejan, 23, caused the death of 71-year-old Zdzislaw Tarbaj after hitting him with his Iveco box van on the M20 coastbound between junctions 8 and 9 near Charing on the night of 14 February 2025. Mr Tarbaj had pulled over onto the hard shoulder with family members after stopping his blue Kia Carens to investigate a suspected mechanical defect. As he stepped out of the vehicle at around 10:10pm, he was struck at speed by Bejan’s van. Emergency services confirmed Mr Tarbaj deceased at the scene.
An investigation immediately commenced following Bejan’s arrest, revealing two key factors contributing to the tragedy:
- Mobile Phone Distraction: A review of Bejan’s phone records showed he was actively using WhatsApp in the moments leading up to the collision. He sent and edited nine messages to a group chat between 10:06pm and 10:17pm. Crucially, the editing of a message and updating a group chat picture requires interaction that cannot be done hands-free, confirming dangerous distraction.
- Gross Overloading: The van Bejan was driving was found to be dangerously overloaded. While the vehicle had a maximum load weight of 3,500 kilograms, it was in fact carrying a load exceeding 5,000 kilograms.
Bejan, from Hereford, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
On Wednesday, 12 November, he was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to nine years and nine months’ imprisonment. He was also disqualified from driving for 13 years and six months and must pass an extended driving test before being allowed back on the road.
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.’