A RECKLESS driver who fled after crashing into a van while on the wrong side of the road – killing one of his passengers – has been jailed for six years.
Hammad Amin hit speeds in excess of 80mph in residential areas after failing to stop for police who were alerted that the VW Golf he was driving was stolen.
After an initial pursuit through Sheldon the then 17-year-old went through a red light and nearly hit a pedestrian.
He went towards on-coming traffic along Coventry Road and forced other vehicles to take evasive action although he struck a taxi on his way through.
In the interest of public safety, the pursuit was abandoned.
The Golf was then spotted on the A4040 Church Road where it mounted the central reservation to get away from police.
The car went the wrong way down the dual carriageway where it then hit a Mercedes Sprinter van.
Amin ran off in an attempt to flee the scene but he was promptly arrested in a nearby park.
A 17-year-old passenger who was in the back of the car suffered a serious head injury, and sadly died soon after.
Amin pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and sentenced to six years in a young offenders institute at Birmingham Crown Court on September 13.
Amin, who is now aged 18 and of Coventry Road, Small Heath, was also banned from the road for eight years.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the force’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “Amin had a choice to stop that day. Instead he chose to deliberately drive in a dangerous and reckless way which tragically resulted in the death of a young man.
“Given his sheer disregard for other road users this could have been even worse with more fatalities.
“Following the collision he thought nothing for the welfare of anyone involved and tried to leave the area leaving his friend to die.
“However, we were able to arrest him quickly and ensure he faced the consequences of his actions by serving time in custody.”
