Surrey motorcyclist admits to causing death of elderly woman

He's pleaded guilty to careless driving after initially denying a dangerous driving charge.

Author: Shaunna BurnsPublished 16th Feb 2026

A motorcyclist has admitted responsibility for the death of an elderly woman he knocked down on Streatham High Road.

Radu Tomescu, 32, was riding at speeds between 37mph and 40mph along the 30mph road when his motorbike struck Joan Brown, who was 86.

The collision occurred as Mrs Brown attempted to cross the street at a pedestrian crossing on March 8th 2023.

She had pressed the button to request the lights to change to red and began crossing during a break in traffic, as the lights did not change.

While trying to avoid Mrs Brown, Tomescu swerved and fell off his motorbike, which then collided with her.

Mrs Brown succumbed to her injuries from the collision.

The incident was recorded on CCTV.

Initially, Tomescu, from Camberley, Surrey, had denied causing the death by dangerous driving.

However, on the first day of his trial at the Old Bailey, he accepted the lesser charge of causing death by careless driving.

Judge Philip Katz KC has requested a pre-sentence report and allowed Tomescu to remain on bail.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 24th.

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