93mph driver has jail term extended 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 had his jail sentence increased after judges ruled that it was unduly lenient.
Omar Tariq 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.
During the case at Wolverhampton Crown Court the 31-year-old pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and not being insured to drive the white Mercedes E250 convertible. He was jailed for 14 months and banned from driving for five years.
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Tariq, of Denton Road, Stourbridge, will now serve four and a half years after judges in the Court of Appeal ruled his original sentence was unduly lenient.
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.
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 court was told during the case.
Mr Price died at the scene as a result of his injuries.
Tariq pleaded guilty on December 21 to causing death by dangerous driving.
His girlfriend, Parvinder Ubhi, 23, a health and safety officer of Jardine Close, was prosecuted for permitting use of the vehicle without valid insurance and obstructing the police in their execution of their duty by falsely claiming she was driving.
She pleaded guilty to both offences at an earlier magistrates' court hearing and in January received a 12 month community order with 150 hours unpaid work, 12 months supervision order and was disqualified from driving for one year.
Peter's father Bob Harrison welcomed the increased sentence: "The loss of Peter has been devastating to all who knew and loved him.
"Pete was a fantastic guy and will always be sorely missed.
"We would like to thank all of the police and the Attorney General who appealed the sentence. We are happy with the increased sentence and can now begin to concentrate on coming to terms with our loss."
Sergeant Adam Green, from the Regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We welcome the increased sentence that Omar Tariq will have to serve.
"The simple fact is that speed kills. People who speed may think that this would never happen to them, but clearly, in Tariq's case it did and the devastation caused is irreparable."
During the original trial 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.
