Campaign for killer driver’s sentence to be increased
A KILLER driver who left a much-loved grandfather dying in an horrific hit-and-run crash could face more jail time after he was jailed for less than four years.
A petition calling for tougher punishment for Raihan Ahmed has been sent to the Attorney General after his “disgusting” original sentence for causing the death of bus driver Ghulam Nabi sparked outrage.
The 20-year-old, of Langdale Road, Great Barr, was sent down for just three years and eight months after knocking down the 61-year-old as the victim walked to work in Great Barr Street, Digbeth, on August 29.
Ahmed was also banned from the roads for four years and ten months at Birmingham Crown Court on November 9. He was caught doing 53mph in a 20mph and drove so fast all the wheels left the ground, but fled the scene after the crash.
Mr Nabi, a grandfather and father-of-four, was much respected in the community and his death caused an outpouring of grief.
Close family friend Councillor Majid Mahmood presented a petition signed by 1,300 people to a full Birmingham City Council meeting on Wednesday, calling for Attorney General Suella Braverman QC to review the ‘lenient’ sentence given to Ahmed.
Cllr Mahmood: “I like, the family of Ghulam Nabi, am disgusted with the the unduly lenient sentence that was passed.
“It’s shocking that the individual responsible for the death of Ghulam Nabi could be walking the streets in less than 18 months.
“Not only is this not enough for the loss of a life it doesn’t serve as a deterrent.
“That’s why I’m supporting the family of Ghulam Nabi in calling the Attorney General to refer the unduly lenient sentence for review at the Court of Appeal.”
Mr Nabi was on his way to work to the National Express depot in Digbeth on Bank Holiday Sunday.
His grieving brother Jamil Arif, 54, later revealed he worked on Sundays so he could donate his earnings to charity.
Birmingham Crown Court was told that Ahmed callously fled the scene before abandoning the car in Adderley Street. Police arrested him just 12 hours later following a successful appeal.