‘It shouldn’t be like this,’ says wife of biker seeking justice after suspect flees

The family of a paramedic who was killed while riding her bike are still seeking justice more than two years after the suspect fled the country.

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Vicky Lovelace-Collins, 38, was struck by a car on September 5, 2018, just minutes from her home. Despite being air-lifted to hospital, she succumbed to her injuries and died two days later. The person suspected of causing Vicky’s death then fled to Turkey, where they have remained ever since.

“It shouldn’t be like this,” says Vicky’s widow Naomi. “It should be that justice prevails for everyone. The grief is one thing but then to have to fight for justice on top.”

In 2020, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised the police to charge the suspect with causing death by careless driving, however the UK does not have an extradition agreement with Turkey, so the case is at an impasse.

“The police took a statement from the suspect but they were formally invited to the station for an interview,” adds Naomi. “Because they had family here they weren’t deemed a ‘flight risk’. It seems to be, if they stay in Turkey, they’re just untouchable.”

Vicky’s family have met with the CPS, who have advised them there are still some avenues they can try in a bid to return the suspect to the UK. However, the CPS have a policy of not releasing any details on these sorts of cases, even to the family, for risk of jeopardising the case. 

Because of the similarities in their case, Vicky’s family have also been speaking to the family of Harry Dunn. Radd Seiger, the Dunn family spokesperson and adviser, is also helping Vicky’s family in their quest for justice. Together they have met with Naomi’s MP, Stephen McPartland, who has written to the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, to see what more can be done.

“If we can’t get the justice we would like then we’d like to campaign to change the law,” says Naomi. “So at least we’ll know this won’t happen to another family.”