In London, an Indian-origin man has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for his role in a hit-and-run accident involving a couple in the West Midlands region of England.
In December last year, 41-year-old Harinderpal Athwal hit a pedestrian couple while driving on Soho Road in Birmingham, killing the husband and seriously injuring his wife.
The Uber Eats delivery driver admitted a series of dangerous driving offenses at Birmingham Crown Court this week and was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison.
Sergeant Julie Lyman, of West Midlands Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: “This is a tragic incident which has left a family without a father and a loved one.”
“Our thoughts remain with his family and his wife, who remains affected and will impact her for the rest of her life. Aswal’s actions in driving off, refusing help and reporting the incident were cruel and callous and showed a complete disregard for his actions in killing and seriously injuring innocent people.”
She said: “No sentence will bring back the family’s loved ones but I hope it will bring them some peace as Aswal will now serve his sentence in prison.”
West Midlands Police said the 54-year-old man and his 47-year-old wife were walking hand in hand along the pavement when “for unknown reasons” Athwal’s car swerved into oncoming traffic and onto the pavement.
Police added: “The vehicle struck both victims and showed no signs of braking until it eventually collided with another parked car.
“CCTV footage then shows Atwal reversing past the injured man before steering the car forward, hitting the man again and driving away. Sadly the man died at the scene from his injuries. His wife was taken to hospital with life-changing injuries.”
Less than 24 hours later, after a “thorough and detailed investigation,” Athwal was arrested, claiming he had no knowledge of the deaths.
He pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court last week to dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing serious injury, driving while disqualified causing death, driving without a license and without insurance causing death, failing to stop, and driving a vehicle in a traffic accident and failing to report it.
As well as being jailed, Athwal was disqualified from driving for 20 years and must pass an extended retest before he can get his licence.
In a statement released by police, the female victim said: “I cry for my husband every day. He is my emotional support and strength. He manages our finances, makes important decisions and keeps our family stable. I feel completely lost without him.”
“The driver’s actions took away my husband, destroyed my health and shattered the lives of my children. Because of him, I lost my partner, my independence, my strength and the future I knew.” PTI AK GRS GRS
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This article was generated from automated news agency feeds without modifications to the text.
