A man who was jailed for causing the death of a woman after a crash in Colchester has been branded "a danger to other road users." 

Linda Franklin, 39, died in the crash in Avon Way, Colchester, in August last year.

She was a passenger in a silver Audi A3 being driven by David Jankovic on Avon Way at around 6pm.

As the car approached the junction of Charles Pell Road and Avon Way at speed it failed to give way, causing it to drive into the path of another vehicle.

At the point of impact the front passenger door of the Audi opened and Linda fell from the vehicle into the path of the other vehicle.

Read more: 'Reckless' driver who left Greenstead crash victim to die is jailed for four years

Instead of stopping, Jankovic drove off with dash cam footage from the other vehicle showing the passenger door still open.

The 23 year-old, of Hakewill Way, Colchester, was arrested in the early hours of the morning the following day in Sudbury.

He initially denied causing death by dangerous driving.

But this week he was jailed for four years and two months and banned from driving for seven years after admitting the charge.

He will also have to take an extended re-test.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Martyn Wells, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “David Jankovic’s reckless actions led to the death of Linda Franklin.

“Not only was his driving dangerous but he after Linda had fallen out of the vehicle, he didn’t even stop to see if she was ok.

“Instead, he left her to die in the road.

“He is clearly a danger to other road users and will spend the foreseeable future behind bars.

“No sentence will ever bring Linda back but I hope this result will help them to move forward.”

Gazette:

Read more: Tributes paid to 'rare and kind soul' Linda who died following crash in Greenstead

Following Linda's death her devastated family paid tribute to the popular Greenstead resident, describing her as a “wonderful sister, aunt and friend”.

They said: “Even though she was the youngest of three sisters, she had a strong character always wanting to protect us from the world.

“She was there when we needed her and supported us through some very difficult times, regardless of what she was going through. She was a rare and kind soul.

“Linda leaves a gaping hole in our lives, which will never be filled.

“But we will always remember her infectious laugh, her love for us and all our happy memories of being together. We love you Lin.”