Turkish Man Sentenced for Fatal 1999 UK Crash After 24-Year Manhunt

Huseyin Ozkara, a 52-year-old Turkish national, has been sentenced to 12 years and 8 months in prison for causing the deaths of two cyclists by dangerous driving in Cheshire, UK, back in 1999. Ozkara managed to evade justice for nearly 24 years, living in Turkey and France, before being wanted and extradited to the UK in March 2023.

Why this matters: This case highlights the importance of international cooperation in bringing criminals to justice, regardless of the time elapsed since the crime. This case highlights the importance of international cooperation in bringing criminals to justice, regardless of the time elapsed since the crime. It also emphasizes the need for stricter measures to prevent fugitives from evading justice, ensuring that victims' families receive the closure they deserve.

The tragic accident occurred on November 2, 1999, when Ozkara failed to heed a Give Way sign at a crossroads, colliding with and killing Bryan Kenealy and Roger Harris, both in their mid-60s. At the time of the incident, Ozkara had applied for asylum in the UK, claiming he faced persecution by the Turkish government on account of his Kurdish heritage.

After being convicted of causing death by dangerous driving in August 2000, Ozkara was granted bail but chose to flee back to Turkey, abandoning his seriously ill wife in the UK. Despite a warrant being issued for his arrest, he successfully evaded authorities for seven years in Turkey, where he reunited with his wife and fathered two children.

Ozkara eventually settled in France for 17 years, living legally and working as a chef. It wasn't until March 2023, almost 25 years after the fatal accident, that he was finally located and extradited back to the UK to face the consequences of his actions.

During the sentencing, Judge Steven Everett expressed skepticism regarding Ozkara's claims, stating,"I do not believe what he said for a nano second. He did not come back because he knew that he was wanted and the incredibly lengthy period of time he was away caused huge upset and trauma. "The judge further noted,"It is clear to me you were actually shocked by the fact that anybody was considering a prison sentence and you made a decision to leave this country given that you had been seeking asylum here from your native country Turkey."

The prolonged evasion of justice deeply impacted the victims' families. Philip Harris, brother of Roger Harris, shared his emotions, saying, "I felt and still do feel sadness, anger, and frustration that the defendant absconded from bail to become a fugitive from justice, which I regard as a betrayal of trust placed in the defendant by the original trial judge."

In addition to his prison term, Ozkara has been banned from driving for seven years, effective upon his release. The victims' families have labeled him a coward for evading justice for such an extended period.

Ozkara claimed he fled following threats from strangers after his conviction was reported in the local press. However, Judge Everett found this explanation unconvincing, believing that Ozkara's primary motivation for fleeing was to avoid serving a prison sentence.

Nearly 25 years after causing the deaths of two cyclists, Huseyin Ozkara has finally been brought to justice. The 52-year-old Turkish national will serve a 12-year, 8-month prison sentence for his reckless actions and subsequent flight from the law. Judge Steven Everett expressed disbelief in Ozkara's claims, stating, "It is clear to me you were actually shocked by the fact that anybody was considering a prison sentence and you made a decision to leave this country given that you had been seeking asylum here from your native country Turkey."

Key Takeaways

• Huseyin Ozkara sentenced to 12 years, 8 months in prison for causing 2 cyclists' deaths in 1999.
• Ozkara evaded justice for 24 years, living in Turkey and France before extradition to UK.
• He fled UK after conviction, abandoning ill wife, and was eventually found in France in 2023.
• Judge rejects Ozkara's claims of threats, believes he fled to avoid prison sentence.
• Ozkara banned from driving for 7 years, effective upon release, and labeled a coward by victims' families.