A reckless driver who fatally struck a 12-year-old boy while speeding has been sentenced to over eight years in prison.
Azaan Khan was crossing Coventry Road in Yardley on his bike when he was tragically hit by a red BMW. The man behind the wheel, 34-year-old Shazad Alam, had been recklessly weaving through traffic and using the bus lane to overtake other drivers, who reported hearing the 'aggressive roaring' of his engine as he sped past.
It's believed that Alam's was driving at speeds of up to 62mph at the point of collision, far exceeding the 40mph speed limit. Birmingham Crown Court heard today that Alam had previously been banned from driving twice, in 2019 and 2022, for offences including speeding at 75mph on another 40mph road.
Alam, from Lowesmoor Road, Sheldon, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to eight years and nine months, two thirds of which he will serve in custody. He was also disqualified from driving for seven years from the point of his release.
Judge Kristina Montgomery KC concluded that Alam was 'irritated' by slow-moving traffic and showed complete disregard for the risk to others. The fatal incident occurred around 6.15pm on June 8 last year. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Azaan was pronounced dead at the scene, reports Birmingham Live.
At the heartrending trial, Zoe Homer, the shattered mother of Azaan Khan, relayed to the court how her son represented her 'best friend' and 'better half', painting a vivid image of a boy who was 'beautiful, clever and incredibly funny'. She disclosed: "I didn't just lose Azaan I lost the future I thought we had together. I lost all of myself."
Despite being 35 weeks pregnant, Zoe recounted rushing to the horrific scene, confessing that the tragedy left her 'completely and utterly broken'. Azaan's dad, Jakir Khan, shared his anguish as well, recollecting the devastating moment he cradled his son's lifeless form. He recounted: "He was always the smartest person in the room, had a great sense of humour and charm like no other. His smile and charisma filled every room he was in."
In an emotional statement, Mr Khan revealed he has been haunted by 'unbearable emptiness and darkness' since the accident, expressing to the defendant Alam that he can never be forgiven for instilling in him the piercing sensation of failing to safeguard his child.
Prosecutor Sarah Slater enlightened the court about Azaan's last moments, explaining the youngster and two companions had hit Arif and Sons shop on Coventry Road for sweets before they headed to a pedestrian crossing on the same road. While Azaan pedalled behind on his bicycle, his friends crossed safely; tragically, he was hit mid-crossing by Alam's red BMW.
Eyewitnesses painted a chilling picture, one remarking on the 'aggressive revving and accelerating' of Alam’s engine, while another driver remembered Alam undertaking and then slashing across his path directly before the impact. Another witness observed Alam exploiting the bus lane to dodge traffic, followed by merciless acceleration.
Azaan was declared dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination determined that he died from multiple injuries, primarily to his head and chest. A collision investigation concluded that Alam was driving between 49.7mph to 54mph on Coventry Road before accelerating to between 53.8mph and 62.7mph at the point of impact. Judge Montgomery stated: "Your two previous disqualifications should have been a significant warning to you that the rules of the road must be respected to ensure safety, not just to the driver but to those who maybe in his path."
She further added that he made a 'deliberate decision to ignore the rules of the road' and 'demonstrated a disregard for the risk of danger to others'. The judge acknowledged his remorse for the consequences of the accident but noted that Alam had minimised his own responsibility by failing to recognise he was driving dangerously, prior to eventually pleading guilty.
In a letter, Alam expressed: "No amount of words can express how sorry I am for the loss I caused to Azaan's family. I want to apologise to them profusely. The tragic mistake I made on the 8th of June last year will live with me forever and Azaan will remain in the my prayers and the prayers of my family."
Harry Lally, defending, said that Alam initially 'couldn't bear' to take responsibility for taking the life of a child. He informed the court that Alam had worked for Jaguar Land Rover since 2012, and in a tragic twist of fate, had welcomed the birth of his own son three days before the accident.
Mr Lally stated: "It was a moment of madness. It was stupidity. He shouldn't have driven in that manner. He knows he will never be forgiven for what he did. He will forever pray for forgiveness but it may never come."