Driver jailed after grandfather dies in Stechford hit-and-run crash

A driver who lost control of his car, spinning it through 180 degrees and backwards onto a pavement, fatally hitting a grandfather, has been jailed.

After Haroon Basharat’s BMW struck William Burns, aged 63, on Station Road, Stechford in April last year, the 28-year-old pulled away and drove off.

Tragically Mr Burns, who had been walking with a friend, suffered serious injuries and died at the scene shortly after 1.20pm on Sunday 18 April.

A witness was able to stop his own car and write down the registration plate of the white BMW before driving to a nearby police station to pass on the information to officers.

About six hours after the crash Basharat handed himself in at Stechford police station where he was arrested.

When police found the white BMW, parked in a road about a mile from the fatal incident it clearly had rear end damage.

Officers at the Serious Collision Investigation unit carried out a forensic examination of the scene and found that Basharat had been driving at 52mph on the dual carriageway which has a 30mph limit.

Expert analysis of the car further showed that the traction control, which prevents wheel spin and helps braking, on the vehicle had been disabled.

Basharat, of Bromford Lane, Birmingham, admitted causing death by dangerous driving at Birmingham Crown Court and on Wednesday (25 May) he was jailed for four-and-a-half years.

He was also banned from driving for five years after release, and ordered to complete an extended re-test.

Family tribute

In a statement from the family shortly after the crash, they said: “William was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all.

“You made an impact and created a memory for every single person who had the privilege of meeting you. We have lost our legend and you will forever be in our hearts.”

What has West Midlands Police said?

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the Serious Collision Investigation unit, said: “Motor vehicles are fitted with safety systems for that exact reason, everyone’s safety.

“Mr Burns was a pedestrian walking on the pavement and as such should have been safe.

“Deliberately turning off a car’s safety systems and driving above the speed limit is not acceptable behaviour.

“A family has been left devastated by what happened and our thoughts remain with them.

“We can only hope that Basharat’s guilty plea and his jail sentence bring them some comfort at this terrible time.”

If you’ve been affected by this story, the road safety charity Brake can help. Call them on 0808 8000 401.

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.