A MAN has been jailed for life for the murder of a taxi driver in Solihull.
Oliver Pugh, 20, was found guilty in July of killing Mohommed Istakhar in the town last November.
Mr Istakhar, aged 44, was found with serious injuries on November 29 on Braggs Farm Road. Nothing could be done to save him.
Hours earlier, he had picked up Pugh and a second man in his taxi from Birmingham city centre.
Caught on CCTV
Around half-an-hour later, the pair were captured on CCTV chasing Mr Istakhar towards Lady Lane in Solihull.
Minutes after that, the footage showed the pair returning alone to Mr Istakhar’s taxi.
As it was driven away from the scene, the surveillance cameras captured an item, believed to be Mr Istakhar’s phone, being thrown from the car.
The taxi was seen pulling up outside Pugh’s house where both men got out and removed the taxi livery and number plates.
It was later driven to Malpit Close, where it was recovered by police for tests
When Mr Istakhar’s body was discovered, Pugh’s passport was found in his pocket.
Manhunt launched
A wanted appeal was issued for Pugh and following a number of leads from the public he was arrested hiding in a caravan in Derbyshire.
During interview, both denied any involvement in Mr Istakhar’s death, suggesting the other man was to blame.
He was found guilty in July and today (Friday) at Birmingham Crown Court, Pugh was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 27 years.
Det Insp Michelle Thurgood, from West Midlands Police’s Homicide Team, said: “This was a horrific attack on a father who was out working that night to provide for his family.
“Earlier that evening, Pugh had also assaulted other men for no apparent reason.
“He was clearly intent on causing harm to others that night.
“Our thoughts remain with Mr Istakhar’s family and I hope this sentence can bring them some closure.”
