Indian-origin man jailed over 11 years for UK hit-and-run crash
An Indian-origin man has been sentenced to over 11 years in a hit-and-run crash involving a husband and wife in the West Midlands region of England.
Harinderpal Athwal, 41, was driving a car along Soho Road in Birmingham in December last year when he hit the pedestrian couple, killing the husband and seriously injuring the wife.
The Uber Eats delivery driver pleaded guilty to a string of dangerous driving offences and was sentenced to 11 years and three months at Birmingham Crown Court this week.
“This was a tragic incident that has left a family without their father and loved one,” said Detective Sergeant Julie Lyman from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at West Midlands Police.
“Our thoughts remain with all his family and his wife, who is still suffering with injuries that will affect her for the rest of her life. Athwal’s actions in driving away and refusing to help and report the incident were cruel and heartless, and showed his complete disregard for what he had done in killing and seriously injuring innocent people.
“No sentence will ever bring back the family’s loved one, but I hope it brings them some peace that Athwal will now serve time behind bars,” she said.
The man, 54, and his wife, 47, were walking along the pavement hand in hand when “for reasons still unknown”, Athwal’s car swerved into oncoming traffic and mounted the pavement, West Midlands Police said.
