Drink-Driver Jailed for Six Years After Fatal Hit-and-Run Left Cyclist Dead in Sunderland

This is the face of Vicky Hardy, a drunk driver who left a man to die in the street after hitting him with her car and fleeing the scene. Hardy, 44, was sentenced to six years in prison at Newcastle Crown Court after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. She was also handed an eight-year driving ban.

The tragic incident occurred on July 31, 2022, when Hardy, who had been drinking at a local pub, got behind the wheel of her BMW around 1:15 a.m. Shortly afterward, her car struck 48-year-old cyclist Ali Reza Ghaisar on Hylton Road, Sunderland. Instead of stopping to help, Hardy fled the scene, leaving Mr. Ghaisar fatally injured. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Ali Ghaisar’s family paid tribute to him following his death, describing him as “one of a kind” and “loved by all.” Originally from Iran, Mr. Ghaisar was multilingual, speaking six languages, including English, Farsi, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Portuguese. He was known for his kindness and regularly assisted non-English speakers by attending appointments with them to translate, told Chronicle Live.

A Northumbria Police investigation identified Hardy as the driver of the BMW, and it was revealed that she had consumed five pints of cider before the fatal collision. She initially fled the scene but returned later. Hardy was subsequently charged with causing death by dangerous driving and pleaded guilty to the offense in a June hearing. At her sentencing this week, Hardy, from Helmsdale Road, Sunderland, received a six-year prison sentence and an eight-year driving ban.

Following the hearing, Sergeant John Sanderson of Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit praised Mr. Ghaisar’s family for their bravery, saying, “The last two years have been incredibly difficult for them, and we are pleased they now have justice for Ali. We hope they can take some closure from the fact the person responsible for his death is now serving a custodial sentence.”

Sgt. Sanderson added, “This was a tragic and entirely avoidable case. Ali was simply riding his bike when he was struck by Hardy’s vehicle. She showed total disregard for his welfare by fleeing the scene without calling for help.” He concluded with a warning, saying, “If you drive dangerously and it results in someone’s death, you can expect to face justice and a custodial sentence.”