Hit and run driver killed pensioner

A speeding driver who killed a former soldier and ran over his body as he drove from the scene is facing years in jail.

Anop Singh, 31, left Irishman John ‘Frank’ Heneghan, 72, to die in the road and then lied to police in a bid to get away with it.

Mr Heneghan had just returned to London after a holiday in native County Mayo.

Singh hit him in his VW Golf after he got off a bus, following an evening out with friends in Seven Sisters, Haringey, north London on 12 August, 2017.

His friends who were still on the bus, heard screeching brakes and a vehicle racing past the window in the moments before the collision.

As the victim lay seriously injured in the road Singh drove over Mr Heneghan’s body to escape, Wood Green Crown Court heard.

Mr Heneghan died as a result of his catastrophic injuries and was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Singh drove home with an injury to his eye and a smashed windscreen.

Later the same day, he called police and told them his rented VW Golf was seriously damaged on his drive.

He said that he had no knowledge as to how the car had got there in that state, despite having the keys.

Singh also claimed not to know who the driver was at the time it was damaged.

He received medical treatment for his eye injuries and glass particles were found in his face.

Singh, of Clapton, east London, then made no comment in police interview.

He denied but was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and a second count of dangerous driving for taking the vehicle home after the fatal collision.

Singh was convicted of perverting the course of justice following an earlier trial.

He will be sentenced at the same court tomorrow (13).

Mr Heneghan, a former soldier, was stationed at both Cathal Brugha Barracks in Dublin and later at Collins Barracks in Cork in the 1960s.

He was also musician and was part of a band who played for President John F Kennedy at Shannon Airport in 1963.

Catherine Gould, from the CPS, said: ‘Three friends were out in Tottenham enjoying each other’s company, but their night ended tragically.

‘John Heneghan, known affectionately as ‘Frank’ died just moments after getting off a bus on his way home.

‘Anop Singh ran into him as he crossed the road and in attempting to leave the scene drove over Frank’s body as he lay injured.

‘His actions have caused immeasurable distress to Frank’s loved ones who have been present throughout these proceedings and have witnessed for themselves the numerous lies Singh has told in a desperate attempt to save himself.

‘Singh had claimed that he was not the driver involved in the hit and run.

‘However, a thorough police investigation clearly showed Singh driving the VW Golf during the course of the evening to a pub and a club with friends.

‘Careful analysis of telephone data, CCTV images and forensic work ensured that there was no doubt that Singh was the driver despite his claims that a mystery man had collected the car just before the collision occurred.

‘I hope that this conviction provides some sense of justice to Frank’s family and friends. Our thoughts remain with them at this time.’