93mph driver jailed for crash which killed pedestrian on way home from night out
A speeding motorist who mowed down and killed a pedestrian described as 'a rock' by his family and friends has been jailed for more than three years.
Omar Tariq, aged 31, of Denton Road, Stourbridge, had been driving his girlfriend's courtesy car at speeds of up to 93mph shortly before the tragedy.
His estimated speed at the moment of impact was 61mph – more than 20mph over the speed limit – as he braked to avoid hitting 39-year-old Peter Price as he crossed Hagley Road West, Quinton, in November 2014.
Sixteen members of the victim's family were at Wolverhampton Crown Court for the sentencing yesterday.
At the scene, Tariq had denied being at the wheel of the Mercedes E250, claiming his girlfriend had been driving but the lie unravelled later during police interviews, said Mr Paul Spratt, prosecuting.
He had also driven for a for a third of a mile after the accident before phoning police, later describing it as 'a panic decision.'
Witnesses told police he had been driving 'like an idiot' just before the collision at around 9pm.
The victim, who was on his way home after a night out, had lived close by with his partner, who had to suffer the trauma of passing the scene each day to go to work, said Mr Spratt.
Defending, Mr Paul Mytton, said Tariq had never been penalised for speeding or any other motoring offence in 13 years of driving.
Tariq pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and not being insured to drive the car. He was jailed for three years and four months and banned from driving for five years.
Judge James Burbidge read testimonials from Tariq's relatives and colleagues, and a letter from the defendant himself setting out his feelings of remorse and regret, as well as impact statements from Mr Price's family and friends.
He said: "This is a sad and tragic case. Mr Price's death has been a devastating blow to many. He was a rock and real support to many."
He described Tariq's speed as 'grossly excessive' in a car he was not familiar with but said there were 'powerful' mitigating circumstances.
"Whether you were seeking to put this sporty-type vehicle through its paces, I do not know. But you were of exemplary character, and had no speeding or other offences on your record. I accept that this has affected you deeply and that others speak highly of your integrity," said the judge.
His girlfriend, 23-year-old Parvinder Ubhi, of Jardine Close, Stourbridge, pleaded guilty to permitting use of the vehicle without valid insurance and obstructing police by falsely claiming she was driving.
She received a 12-month community order and was banned from driving for a year
