Man convicted of murder after Dovercourt hit and run
The 40 year old tried to flee the country to evade justice
Last updated 20th Oct 2022
A map who fled the country after hitting and killing a man with his car in Dovercourt two years ago has been convicted of murder.
Kerrin Repman died after being shunted from behind by a BMW while driving along Marine Parade on April 15 2020.
40 year old Keith McCarthy, of no fixed address, has also been convicted of GBH with intent after the moped involved in the crash hit a woman in her 70s.
She was treated in hospital for serious injuries.
29 year old Kerrin was treated at the scene by plain clothed police officers, but died from his injuries.
McCarthy was tracked down in Ireland and was deported back to the UK, after leaving the country in an effort to evade justice.
He was convicted today at Chelmsford Crown Court and will be sentenced at a later date.
Detective Superintendent Scott Egerton, of Essex Police, said:
“Keith McCarthy took Kerrin’s life in a violent and ruthless attack.
“He would have felt the full impact of that collision and seen the devastation it caused, yet he made no attempt to identify himself as the driver or to check on those he injured.
“His only thought was to try and escape the justice system, but all he did was delay the inevitable.
“I know the verdict won’t bring Kerrin back, but I’m proud that we’ve been able to get justice for his family and the woman he injured.
“I hope they take some solace knowing that the person responsible will now spend time behind bars.”
In a tribute to Kerrin, also known as Kez, his family said:
“Kerrin was a much-loved partner, son, brother, father and uncle.
“He worked as a talented chef and gave his job one hundred percent effort and when he wasn’t working, would spend time with his family and friends.
“He also made time to help others through volunteering. He would prepare meals for the elderly through the Salvation Army with Christmas meals during the festive periods and would also help at our local food bank.
“Kerrin had his problems and went through a lot of physical and emotional pain in his life, but it never stopped him from having a smile on his face. He always brought a smile to ours, too.
“As parents, not in a million years did we ever think we would be forced to bury our little boy. We never thought Kerrin would be wiped out of our lives so fast, and we miss him every minute of every day.
“Keith McCarthy has no idea what his actions have done to this family. A huge hole has been left and the impact has been felt by all of us. The sunshine that was Kerrin has gone out of our lives.
“Kerrin will never be forgotten, and his three children are the focus or all our lives now that he is gone. We see little sparks of him in them all the time.
“He might be gone physically but we have so many happy memories and love, and we know he is with us forever, in spirit.
“Fly high our angel.”