Britain (Rajeev Sharma): A Punjabi-origin man has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison by a UK court after being found guilty in a fatal hit-and-run case that claimed one life and left another person with severe injuries in Birmingham.
Harinderpal Athwal, 41, was convicted for the December 16 collision on Soho Road, where he drove his car onto the pavement and struck a married couple before fleeing the area.
Investigators said Athwal had been driving from Birmingham city centre when he suddenly lost control, crossed into oncoming traffic and mounted the footpath. His vehicle hit a 54-year-old man and his 47-year-old wife before crashing into a parked car.
Shockingly, prosecutors told the court that Athwal then drove back and hit the man again before escaping. Emergency services rushed to the spot, but the victim was declared dead at the scene. His wife survived but suffered serious injuries that have permanently affected her life.
During the hearing, the woman shared an emotional statement, saying her husband’s death had devastated the family and left her struggling physically and emotionally. She described him as the foundation of their home and said his absence continues to affect every part of their lives.
Athwal, a resident of Oldbury, was arrested by West Midlands Police the following day. He initially claimed he was unaware anyone had died in the incident.
He later admitted to several charges, including causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving despite being disqualified.
Birmingham Crown Court sentenced him to 11 years and three months behind bars. In addition, he has been prohibited from driving for 20 years after completing his sentence.
Police officials said the punishment reflects the seriousness of the offence and acknowledged the lasting trauma caused to the victim’s family. Investigators described the crash as a reckless act that resulted in irreversible loss and suffering.
