Police officer jailed over death of popular shopkeeper in car crash
A POLICE officer has been jailed for 18 months after killing a popular shopkeeper by driving dangerously.
Off-duty Staffordshire Police officer Jason Bannister – who has been suspended from his job – admitted causing the death of Balvinder Singh after his Hyundai smashed into the 59-yearold’s Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van in December 2016.
Mr Singh was taken to hospital following the crash on Cannock Road, Wolverhampton, but died later the same day, West Midlands Police said.
Bannister was treated for minor injuries after the incident but was charged after an investigation by the West Midlands force’s serious collision unit.
The 45-year-old had previously admitted causing the Wednesfield shopkeeper’s death by dangerous driving and was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday.
He was also banned from driving for three years and nine months.
Bannister will be required to complete an extended driving test in order to obtain another licence.
Shortly after his death, Mr Singh’s family paid tribute to him, saying his family was important to him.
They said: “He was the most loyal and hard-working family man, with three children and six grandchildren who were his everything, one of which he never got to meet.
“He was loved throughout the community.”
West Midlands Police said Bannister had been suspended from his position at Staffordshire Police pending the outcome of the case.
His position with the force would now be reviewed as a result of his conviction and sentence.