Tragic and so avoidable. We don't know if the pilot had any night training but its likely he didn't. The main things you learn during Night Qualification training is how much you don't know and why its better not to do it as a PPL. I recommend to all PPL's that they get some night flying experience with a qualified instructor in a controlled environment. They soon realise that its not a good idea and whilst its an awesome experience, it must never be taken lightly. If combined with bad weather, challenging terrain and a lack of preparation, its a recipe for an AAIB bulletin.
Take heed guys, learn from this tragedy, don't let something similar happen to you.