Parents Of Schoolgirls Describe Heartache Of Losing Their Daughters

The families of two young girls who died after being involved in a hit-and-run accident have spoken of their relief and sadness after the driver of the car was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving.

Zaneta Krokova, 11, and her cousin Helena Kotlarova, 12, were struck by the blue Peugeot 807 driven by Mr Hegedus on Ashton Road, Oldham, on New Year’s Eve last year. Sadly, Helena died at the scene, and Zaneta died in hospital two days later.

Today, at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Gabor Hegedus, 38 from Oldham, was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to causing the death of two young girls by careless driving, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, driving without a licence, failing to stop after a collision and failing to report the collision.

After the fateful incident, Zaneta and Helina’s families instructed specialist road accident lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help assist them through this difficult time.

Milan Kroka, Zaneta’s father, said: “With this sentencing justice has been served, however nothing will ever bring back our daughter and our family is still struggling to come to terms with this devastating tragedy. Those young girls have been tragically taken from us.

“The incident continues to have a huge impact on mine and the rest of the family’s lives, and ultimately, today’s sentencing will not undo what’s happened. Zaneta was so young and full of life, it is still hard to believe at times she is no longer with us.”

Robert Kotlar, Helena’s father, said: “The pain that I and Helena’s mother, Sylva, continue to endure will not diminish as a result of today’s sentencing.

“We acknowledge that sentencing that has been handed down but it does not change the fact that we have been handed a life-sentence and have to live every day without our beloved daughter because of what the driver did.”

Richard Biggs, an Associate at Irwin Mitchell and the expert road accident lawyer representing the families of Zaneta and Helena, said: 

Expert Opinion

“This is a heart-breaking case where two young, bright stars have sadly been taken away from their families too early.

“At Irwin Mitchell, we see on a daily basis the impact that road accidents have on families and it is crucial that other drivers take note of this case and the consequences of dangerous driving and ensure they take more care on the roads to reduce the risk of similar tragedies in future.

“The family ask that you please respect their privacy as they continue to try and rebuild their lives following their tragic loss.” Richard Biggs - Partner