Eleven-Year-Old Zaneta Krokova And Twelve-Year-Old Helena Kotlarova Died After Hit-And-Run On New Year’s Eve

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 pleaded 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, pleaded 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.

Zaneta and Helena’s families have instructed specialist road accident lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help assist them through this difficult time.

Milan Kroka, Zaneta’s father, said: “It is a relief that the driver has pleaded guilty, ultimately taking responsibility for his actions, 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 so cruelly taken away from us.

“The incident has had a huge impact on mine and the rest of the family’s lives, and ultimately, today’s guilty plea 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, endure will not diminish as a result of today’s guilty plea by the man who took our daughter from us.

“While it is of course a relief that we will not have go through a trial as a result of the driver taking responsibility for his actions, we will still have to live every day without our beloved daughter because of what he did.”

The guilty plea now means that Gabor Hegedus will be sentenced at the end of June.

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 an extremely sad case in which two young, bright stars have sadly been taken away from their families too early.

“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 is relieved by Mr Hegedus’ decision to take responsibility for his actions and they ask that you please respect their privacy as they continue to try and rebuild their lives following their tragic loss.” Richard Biggs - Partner