Hit-and-run driver who killed grandmother on her way to morning prayers has jail term increased

Mohammed Ishfaq caused the death of Krishna Devi Droch when he crashed into her in Rookery Road, Handsworth, while being chased by two cars after a drug deal turned nasty.

He was jailed for six years earlier this year but has now had his jail term increased to eight years at the Court of Appeal.

The Vauxhall Zafira being driven by Ishfaq was travelling on the wrong side of Rookery Road when it hit 62-year-old Kirshna as she used a crossing over the road on the morning of November 9, 2017.

The car ploughed straight into her and she was thrown into railings on the edge of the pavement. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Meanwhile 34-year-old Ishfaq fled and the car was found burnt out two hours later, less than two miles away from the scene.

Before the crash, he had been involved in a drug deal which turned nasty and he sped away in the Zafira, chased by a Vauxhall Corsa and a Ford Mondeo. The three cars ran a a red light on Soho Road into Rookery Road where the crash happened.

The cars that pursued him were both on false plates and were also found abandoned. Their drivers have never been traced.

Ishfaq, of Leonard Road, Handsworth, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice in March and was jailed for six years and three months.

However the Court of Appeal concluded that the sentence was unduly lenient and agreed that a starting point of eight years should have been adopted.

This was increased to 10 years to reflect the aggravating features but reduced for personal mitigation with 10 per cent of the sentence removed due to the a guilty plea.

As such Ishfaq’s sentence was increased to eight years in prison. His driving ban was increased to 11 years and he will be required to sit an extended retest before being allowed behind the wheel again.

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from West Midlands Police's serious collision investigation unit, said: “No sentence will ever reflect the grief and hurt felt by a family.

“Sentencing guidelines are rightly in place and are always an emotional subject, but I am glad that the appeal judges have given consideration to all the factors in this case and have come to this conclusion.”

Krishna’s family said at the time: “Our family has been left heartbroken. Krishna Devi Droch was not only a mother but a daughter, sister, grandmother and aunt.

“This is not only a loss to the family, but a loss to the community. Through her kindness and support she was the foundation of our family.

“Although nothing can ever replace what we have lost, her love and care will stay with us forever."