Man who fled to Turkey in 2018 sentenced for death by dangerous driving

A 64-year-old man, who fled to Turkey after his dangerous driving caused the death of David Levett in 2018, has been sentenced.

Fethi Kavas, previously of Aydin, Turkey, was extradited from Bulgaria in February of this year after a red notice was issued for his arrest in 2023.

Kavas fled to Turkey in 2018 after a collision on January 28 of that year where he drove his lorry into the back of two stationary cars on the M1 southbound carriageway, just before junction 17.

David Levett, a 53-year-old vulnerable man, was a passenger in the back of one of the cars. He was taken to hospital but sadly died of his injuries just under a month later. 

A 45-year-old man also suffered serious injuries as a result of the collision.

Kavas was arrested at the scene however travelled to Turkey as the investigation progressed and never came back to answer to the charges of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

However, detectives from Northamptonshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit worked to get a red notice issued and finally, in February of this year, Kavas was detained in Bulgaria and extradited to the United Kingdom.

After pleading guilty to the offences at Northampton Crown Court, he was sentenced on Friday, July 19, to four years and four months in prison.

In her victim impact statement, which was read out in court, David’s sister said: “In this six-year period, we have felt in limbo as there has been no closure for us as a family regarding the tragic passing of David.

“Sadly, our father passed away in February 2021, without having any closure regarding the outcome of the case. My father loved David very much and missed him every day.

“My mother, who is now 80, has had to live with the passing of her son David, and then her husband, and both have had a big impact on her mental wellbeing.”

Lead investigator Detective Sergeant Janette Maitland said: “No sentence will make up for the loss of David Levett. He was a much-loved brother and son, and six years on, the pain of his passing is still at the forefront of his loved ones’ minds. 

“Their loss has been compounded by the time it has taken to get Fethi Kavas back to the UK and see him brought to justice. I am pleased that we have managed to do that, and I hope the conclusion of this case allows the family to feel some sense of closure.

“I also hope this case demonstrates Northamptonshire Police’s determination to not give up and to do as much as we can to ensure justice is done.

“My thoughts continue to be with David’s family, especially his sister and his mum, and I wish them both the best for the future.”