Hit-and-run driver jailed for killing ‘hero’ grandad
A ‘‘SELFISH’’ BMW driver mowed down and killed a ‘‘hero’’ grandfather after switching off the car’s traction control – then sped off from the scene, a court heard.
William Burns, aged 63, was crushed against a fence and suffered catastrophic injuries which he died instantly in Station Road, Stechford, on Sunday, April 18 last year, Birmingham Crown Court was told.
He had been out enjoying an afternoon walk in the sunshine with his friend at the time.
But Haroon Basharat had accelerated hard whilst coming around a corner and lost control of his father’s high-speed vehicle, causing it to spin 180 degrees and career backwards on to the pavement.
It is estimated he was travelling around 52mph on the 30mph road moments before the fatal collision.
Basharat, 28, who fled the scene, then claimed he had apparently tried to report the incident online, before handing himself into a police station around six hours later saying he thought he had been in an accident.
As well as turning off the traction control, which he initially denied, he had disabled the dynamic stability control.
Basharat, of Bromford Lane, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
He was jailed for four years and six
months and handed a driving ban.
Judge Martin Hurst conceded Mr Burns’ devastated family would find it ‘‘incredible’’ Basharat would be released after half that term despite ‘‘taking a life’’.
Addressing the defendant he said: “By your deliberate actions, switching off the dynamic stability control, driving aggressively, at speed, in a pedestrian area, you have deprived this family of its principal member.
“A beloved grandfather, father and husband. You will be released relatively soon. They will have to live with your selfish actions forever.”
Prosecutor Timothy Harrington
said the fatal collision was on the A4040 Station Road.
He said Basharat was driving his father’s white BMW M140 which he described as a ‘‘powerful motor car’’ with more than 300 brake horsepower.
The prosecutor explained the traction control is designed to stop a car losing control by preventing wheelspins and causing anti-lock braking systems to take power away from wheels losing traction. He stated it had been the law since 2011 for new cars to have traction control.
Basharat initially claimed he had not switched it off but he abandoned the lie after being contradicted by a vehicle expert.
Jennifer Josephs, defending, said Basharat left the scene of the collision because he ‘‘panicked’’ but attended the police station before he was identified as the driver.
Ms Josephs said: “He is absolutely devastated he has caused the death of another person. His remorse is utterly genuine. It has had a major impact on him and his health.”
The court heard highly emotional impact statements from Mr Burns’ family.
His widow Emma described him as her ‘‘entire world’’ and the ‘‘most caring, kind and helpful person you could meet’’.
She branded Basharat’s actions as ‘‘selfish and dangerous’’, adding the period since her husband’s death had been the most ‘heartbreaking and excruciating time of my life’’.
Mr Burns’ son Wayne told the court he fell to his knees upon hearing of his father’s death over the telephone, adding ‘‘mentally that’s where I remain to this day’’.
He vividly described how he was ‘‘consumed by anger and rage’’ and even left in fear of receiving phone calls.
Mr Burns’ other son, Kenny, stated his father was his ‘‘hero’’ and his death had ‘‘destroyed’’ his life.
Addressing Basharat directly he added: “I will look you in the eye and tell you I will never forgive and will never forget.”