Man jailed for dangerous driving and fraud in Oxfordshire
Oxford man sentenced to five years after high-speed crash and insurance deception
A man has been jailed following a Thames Valley Police investigation into a serious collision and subsequent fraud in Oxford.
Besjan Karaj, aged 27, of Field Avenue, Oxford, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment at Oxford Crown Court on Friday (26 September). He was also disqualified from driving for five and a half years and will be required to complete an extended retest to regain his licence.
Karaj pleaded guilty to one count of causing injury by dangerous driving and one count of fraud by false representation.
The charges relate to an incident on 13 July 2024, when Karaj was driving along the B4017 and turned left into Cumnor Hill at excessive speed, veering into the opposite lane. He collided with a 22-year-old motorcyclist, causing injury, and failed to stop at the scene.
Police officers later located the suspect vehicle — found on fire about a mile away. Debris recovered at the crash site, including a registration plate and vehicle badge, helped investigators trace the vehicle.
Mobile phone data confirmed Karaj's presence at both the scene of the crash and the vehicle fire. In a further twist, after the victim made an insurance claim, Karaj admitted to being the driver — but attempted to blame the victim for the collision.
Karaj was arrested on 2 January 2025 and charged the following day.
Investigating officer PC Matthew Stansfield, of the Roads Policing Unit, said:
“I am pleased that Karaj has been convicted and given a custodial sentence by the courts.
This conviction sends a clear message that we will work tirelessly to uncover the truth.
We are committed to bringing offenders to justice. I hope this outcome reassures the public that we will continue to pursue those who bring harm to others on the roads.”