Irshad Begum: Banned driver jailed for fatal hit and run on Washwood Heath Road

A speeding driver who hit and killed a pensioner before fleeing the scene has been jailed.

Amaan Isa, from Erdington, was already banned from driving when he struck 80-year-old Irshad Begum as she tried to cross Washwood Heath Road in Ward End on 5 April this year.

He then drove off in the VW Golf which he later abandoned in a car park around half-a-mile away.

Isa handed himself into a police station later the same day. During his interview he accepted taking a relative’s car without consent, then claiming he wasn’t wearing his glasses and didn’t see Mrs Begum.

How fast was Amaan Isa driving when he hit Irshad Begum?

Witnesses - including an off duty PC - believed Isa was travelling well in excess of the 30mph speed limit on the busy Birmingham route.

Isa told police that he believed he was travelling at around 40mph and panicked after hitting the pedestrian.

But forensic examination of CCTV revealed that Isa was travelling at 56mph at the point of collision.

The 28-year-old of Station Road, Erdington, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, being behind the wheel while disqualified and having no insurance. He was jailed for six years and eight months at Birmingham Crown Court today (Tuesday).

What have West Midlands Police said about the case?

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the serious collision investigation unit, said: "Our thoughts remain with Mrs Begum’s family who’ve lost a loved one in tragic circumstances.

"Isa knew he had struck a pedestrian at speed but rather than stop and try to help, he fled the area as quick as possible.

"He must have felt a huge amount of guilt and at least by handing himself in, and accepting his actions, he has saved Mrs Begum’s family further prolonged pain.”

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