Six years for hit-run death driver

A hit-and-run driver who ploughed into a pensioner and left him for dead has been jailed for six years.

Carl Campbell knocked down Tipton great-grandfather Clarence Elwin last June then tried to cover his tracks by claiming his car had been stolen.

Judge John Warner said he considered the bogus story a "considerable aggravating factor" in his sentencing at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday.

The 26-year-old, of Second Avenue, Low Hill, Wolverhampton, had already pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Mr Elwin, known to friends and family as Joe, was knocked down in Gospel Oak Road, Tipton, neerhis home while walking his dog in June last year. His beloved Yorkshire terrier Zach was killed instantly and the 92-year-old former railman died almost five months later, having battled multiple injuries.

His family said he had been in perfect health before the collision.

Mr Elwin left behind two devastated children, Pauline, aged 68, and Trevor, 59, grandchildren Gary, Julie, Debbie, Claire and Craig and great grandchildren, Daniel, Jack, Harry, Billy, Madison and Amelia.

James Dunstan, prosecuting, said witnesses had seen Campbell driving at speeds of around 50mph before and after the collision and he had been overtaking other vehicles at speed.

Due to his speed Campbell, who had previous convictions for driving related offences including drink driving and driving whilst disqualified, "had no time to avoid the accident".

The car was found the next day near Brewood with damage to the door lock and the ignition cabling was exposed.

Mr Dunstan said: "He called police the next day to say he had returned from Liverpool to see his car had been stolen. He then went on to make a false statement."

Gurdeep Garcha, defending, said Campbell wished to offer his "sincere apologies" and condolences.