A MAN who deliberately drove at three pedestrians, killing two and seriously injuring another, has been sentenced.
Emiljano Kasaj has been given a hospital order after the deaths of Leo Moran, 44, and Joel Carriedo, 47, in Coventry in 2023.
On the morning of September 3 that year, Kasaj drove his car around Coventry city centre, where he hit the three pedestrians.
Mr Moran, who was hit on Gosford Street, and Mr Carriedo, who was hit on Woodway Lane, were both pronounced dead at the scene, while a third man suffered serious injuries requiring hospital treatment.
Now, 34 year-old Kasaj has been handed a hybrid order under the Mental Health Act following a hearing at Warwick Crown Court, where he was given a life sentence, with a minimum of nine years and four months.
The Albanian national, of no fixed address, is currently being held in a secure mental health facility, and will only be transferred to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence if he is deemed well enough.
The court heard Kasaj was suffering from what was believed to be a psychotic episode at the time.
When he was arrested, he was rambling incoherently, although he did admit to killing the two men.
Det Insp Phil Poole, who led the investigation, said: “This was a horrific incident which robbed two families of their loved ones and caused long-lasting injuries to the third.
“We hope the conclusion of this case can bring some closure to the families of those affected.
“We’d also like to thank the many members of the public who came forward as witnesses and shared what they saw with us – your assistance was invaluable.”
