‘My son was left dying in the road: 10 years for his killer is not enough’

A mother has said the 10-year sentence for the hit-and-run driver who killed her son with learning disabilities is ‘far too lenient’.

Phillip Bruce, 34, was mowed down by an uninsured driver being chased by police in the early hours of August 1.

Erald Kamberi, 21, drove off after he hit Phillip on London Road in Ware, Hertfordshire. He continued to flee on foot after crashing his car.

He was eventually arrested, sentenced to ten years in prison and given a 15-year driving ban.

Phillip’s mother Jennifer Dover said: ‘He killed my son and left him there in the road.

‘This isn’t long enough and I just can’t feel that justice has been served.

‘Ten years for killing someone and driving off, not caring what had happened, is not something I can ever accept.

‘I am absolutely devastated to have lost Phillip and especially in the manner it happened. We will never recover from this.’

Phillip, described as a ‘gentle giant’, was an adored son and brother who lived with learning disabilities.

He had two jobs and enjoyed an independent life.

Phillip worked in the kitchen of a local care home as well as delivering pizzas in the evening.

He was engaged to his childhood sweetheart, Jenna March.

Phillip was also a proud member of Always Bee You, a charity that enables adults with learning disabilities to socialise, gain work opportunities and learn life skills.

Phillip’s mother, Jennifer, said: ‘Phil was so hardworking. He worked his butt off and was really proud of himself for doing so. I am so proud of everything he achieved.

‘He loved his job as a kitchen assistant. The last time I saw him was when he was going to work and he was so happy.

‘He loved the independence his moped gave him, he couldn’t have a car because of his learning disabilities, but he never let anything hold him back.

‘He loved the Always Bee You crowd. He would go and do karaoke and all kinds of things with them. Coldplay was a favourite for him to sing.

‘There were so many happy times with Phil. He would light up any room he was in. It’s just devastating that he isn’t here anymore.’

Kamberi was sentenced in September and will serve at least two thirds of his sentence before he is considered for deportation.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said the collision occurred on London Road, near the junction to Amwell End and Station Road, on Friday, August 1 at 12.35am.

A blue Honda WW moped, driven by Phillip, and a white Vauxhall Astra, driven by Kamberi, were involved. Phillip died at the scene.

Kamberi fled from the scene following the collision and was arrested by police on Saturday, August 2.

Judge Sheridan told the court that Kamberi drove ‘like a lunatic to get away from officers, driving at high speed, on the wrong side of the road, with no driving license or insurance’.

Detective Sergeant Ben Heath, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: ‘I know that nothing can undo the hurt caused by Kamberi’s actions.

‘What he has done has left a hole within a family following the loss of Phillip.

‘I hope seeing Kamberi handed this sentence will help to ease some of the pain he has caused.

‘Phil was a well-loved son, brother, grandson, fiance, nephew and cousin. He was a good friend to many and will be sorely missed.

‘Kamberi’s reckless actions and lack of thought for others caused the death of a much-loved member of the community.

‘His lack of care and callousness was shown in the fact he fled the scene following the collision. I am happy to see him sentenced for a long time.’

Phillip’s mother Jennifer, who is awaiting counselling to help with her grief, is being supported by serious injury specialists at the law firm Slater and Gordon.

Vanessa Foxley, a serious injury specialist at the law firm, said: ‘Phillip was clearly a much-loved man who loved life, and his loss has devastated his whole community.

‘Jennifer, understandably, is utterly distraught and wants to feel justice has been served for her precious son.

‘We will support her and Phillip’s family in every way we can in helping them to move forward.’

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