Mitcham man jailed after killing 81-year-old grandfather while driving four times the speed limit

A 19-year-old has been jailed for five years and three months after killing a grandfather in a traffic collision.

Rexon Rebidelmo, 19, of Eastfields in Mitcham, hit Charles Burcombe’s car on the junction of Framfield Road and Streatham Road on December 20, 2019.

Mr Burcombe died instantly and his grandson who was in the car with him had minor injuries.

Data from GPS technology revealed that two seconds before impact the vehicle was travelling at 81 mph. Streatham Road has a 20 mph speed limit. 

The data also showed that Rebidelmo had been driving around Mitcham and Morden prior to the collision at about 58 mph. 

Rebidelmo pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and driving while uninsured.

He appeared at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, November 12, and was sentenced to five years and three months in prison.

Detective Constable Victor Barkes from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, who led the investigation said: “This is a heartbreaking and tragic case where an innocent man has lost his life and the lives of so many others have been shattered by the careless and dangerous actions of Rexon Rebidelmo. 

“I hope that today’s outcome can provide some comfort at this incredibly difficult time. 

“Rebidelmo showed plain disregard for the lives of others as he drove at excessive speeds along 20mph roads. 

“When he saw Charles’ car it was too late, he was driving too fast to avoid hitting Charles and his grandson. As this case tragically underscores, speeding can have fatal consequences.”