The 27-year-old killer of a “magnificent” dad mowed down in a Northfleet hit-and-run is set to be deported to Romania.

Costica Ciapa of Wellington Street, Gravesend pleaded guilty to the death of Lithuanian national, Rimantas Karvelis, 57, who was in the UK visiting his ill son in hospital.

Ciapa crashed into the father-of-two at around 6.40pm on Saturday, October 24, in London Road last year while Mr Karvelis crossed the road.

Police confirmed the windscreen of the car was totally destroyed.

Ciapa drove off and later abandoned the Vauxhall Astra in Grange Road.

He never reported the smash.

Mr Karvelis was taken to a London hospital with serious injuries, but died late on November 3 last year.

He was in the UK on a one-month holiday from Lithuania.

Speaking at the time of his death his family said they were "shocked and deeply saddened” by his death.

His son, Audrius Karvelis, who has travelled back from America, said: "I can't believe he’s gone, my magnificent Dad.

“Our life has changed irrevocably; we are shocked and deeply saddened.

“We know there are many difficult days ahead without him.

“He was an amazing person, a real example to others.

“It is such a big loss for our family and community.”

Mr Karvelis' brother was fighting Guillian Barre Syndrome at Darenth Valley Hospital when his father came to visit. 

Ciapa was sentenced to 12 months in jail at Maidstone Crown Court on September 20 after pleading guilty to death by careless driving.

The Romanian national also admitted to dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision, failing to report a collision and driving without a licence or insurance.

Ciapa will be deported once he’s served time.

He has also been disqualified from driving for two and a half years and must take an extended test.

News Shopper: Lithuanian Rimantas Karvelis, who died after a hit-and-run in London Road