Prison term warning over fatal car crash

A man is facing a lengthy jail sentence after admitting causing death by dangerous driving after taking part in a burglary in the Black Country just minutes earlier.

Wedding planner Tauseef Shaukat, aged 24, who lived in Mallin Street in Smethwick, died on June 13 after the Fiat Punto he was driving was hit by a Subaru Impreza in Churchbridge, Oldbury.

A burglary had taken place at a Co-op store minutes before the fatal collision at about 1am.

During a short hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday, Robert Maxfield, aged 33, of Ernest Road, Dudley, admitted causing death by dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and burglary.

He was remanded in custody and will next appear on September 2. Maxfield showed no emotion as he pleaded guilty to the three offences.

Judge Jonathan Gosling adjourned the case, explaining Maxfield and the two other men in the car during the incident needed to dealt with at the same hearing.

He told Maxfield: "You will understand that you are looking at a very substantial sentence of imprisonment."

Two other men who were in the Subaru have been charged with burglary and will appear at a later date.

Police were called to the Co-op in Tame Road after a passer-by spotted a break-in.

Mr Shaukat died at Sandwell Hospital. Two other people were also taken to the hospital. One 44-year-old passenger received non-life threatening injuries and a third man suffered cuts and bruises.

Officers arrested two teenagers aged 16 and 17, who were in the Subaru. The 16-year-old was treated for arm and facial injuries at Sandwell Hospital.

Churchbridge was closed for five hours following the smash.

Mr Shaukat's family released a statement paying tribute to him. It said: "Tauseef was a God's blessing to this world, a blessing of a beloved son and brother and a role model for his four younger brothers and his cousins. His death has devastated his family and his fiancée who he loved dearly."