Drunken hit and run driver Yasen Yanev jailed for killing motorcyclist on his way home from the pub

Yasen Yanev, from Great Barr, killed Mike Molina while driving his BMW Z4 at high speed in the Cotswolds after drinking in a pub
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A man has been jailed for six years after killing a much-loved husband in a drunken road collision on his way home from the pub - before attempting to flee.

Motorcyclist Mike Molina, 54, died after drunken Yasen Yanev, 34, careered over a mini-roundabout on the wrong side of the road in his BMW Z4 at high speed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite being clearly visible on dashcam footage and signalling correctly, the ‘arrogant’ drink driver hit Mr Molina - sending him flying a considerable distance.

He died of his injuries at the scene in the picturesque Cotswolds town of Moreton-In-Marsh, Gloucestershire, on Saturday 11 June. Yanev, of Tanhouse Avenue, Great Barr, Birmingham, was arrested at the scene after a breathalyser test found him to be driving above the legal limit.

Local residents and motorists had to stop him from fleeing the scene by force after he attempted to escape on foot - even abandoning a friend trapped in his car by the crash.

He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and driving over the prescribed limit of alcohol on July 15. More than 30 other witnesses testified to seeing Yanev’s vehicle overtaking vehicles at ‘ludicrous’ speeds - and on the other side of the road.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Police also uncovered CCTV footage of Yanev purchasing numerous alcholic drinks for himself and a friend before getting in their car at a pub in Stow-on-the-Wold, Glosestershire.

Drink driver Yasen Yanev, from Great Barr, BirminghamDrink driver Yasen Yanev, from Great Barr, Birmingham
Drink driver Yasen Yanev, from Great Barr, Birmingham

PC Shelley Holloway, the investigating officer from the Serious Collision Investigation Team, said she was pleased with the conviction. She added: "Not once did Yanev think about the consequences of his actions that evening.

"After colliding with Mr Molina he exited his BMW whilst his passenger was still trapped inside. He then started to walk away before attempting to run from the scene.

"Members of the public took hold of him to prevent him from leaving whilst officers were on route and I would like to thank them for this. This dangerous behaviour resulted in the tragic loss of life and I hope that other motorists remember this incident when deciding if they should drink and drive.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Our thoughts and condolences remain with that of Mr Molina’s family and friends and the wider community in Moreton-in-Marsh, who have been affected by this incident.”

Mike Molina died after being hit by drunk driver Yasen Yanev, from Great Barr, BirminghamMike Molina died after being hit by drunk driver Yasen Yanev, from Great Barr, Birmingham
Mike Molina died after being hit by drunk driver Yasen Yanev, from Great Barr, Birmingham

Mike Molina’s widow, Carmela, provided a victim impact statement to the court, saying the incident had ‘changed her world forever’. She described Mike as a ‘kind hearted and amazing role model’, who spent his time assisting his sick parents and touching ‘so many lives’.

Carmela added: "We have no children, but we had each other. Michael was not only my husband but my best friend. We had such a tight bond and went everywhere together.

"For over 29 years, we have been a devoted couple with plans for our future. In one terrible moment, all of this and the life we knew has gone. Michael has been taken from me and our families needlessly and I am now having to live alone.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"My life, my health and my financial situation have been altered for the rest of my life. All that we held dear has gone and I shall have a longing for my loving husband every day of my life. I, Michael’s family and my family are suffering and have been emotionally damaged forever.

"When this happened Michael’s mother was in hospital, Michael’s father has been battling an illness and my mother has recently had surgery but Michael helped them all around the home and garden when needed. I am going to have to live with the results of the irresponsible actions of a complete stranger so please do not let Michael’s life have been in vain."

A further statement issued by Mr Molina’s family thanked local residents for their efforts to save Mike at the scene, and for a tribute from Cotswold Bikers.

The family added: "Mike was a kind hearted person, a person we can never get back because of a drunk driver. Mike meant a lot to many people who will forever be saddened by this event that could have been so easily avoided by a simple phone call for a taxi.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Yanev’s arrogance and selfish actions have completely destroyed our family. We just hope people will learn from his actions to never drive under the influence or speed."

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.

Related topics: