Learner driver pleads guilty to hit and run in Glasgow

A learner driver with a fogged windscreen killed a man after he returned from a funeral in a hit and run.

Ali Zafar, 19, struck Derek Blackshaw, 46, at a Morrisons car park in Glasgow's Cardonald on October 1 2021.

Zafar drove a colleague's Ford Mondeo without his permission outside the supermarket while Mr Blackshaw was making his way home.

Zafar ran over Mr Blackshaw's body while he was kneeling down or lying on the road before racing back to the nearby Chillies takeaway.

A "panicked" Zafar later told the owner of the car not to contact the emergency services.

Zafar pleaded guilty today at the High Court in Glasgow to death by dangerous driving.

Zafar, of the city's Pollok, was remanded in custody pending sentencing next month.

Returning from a funeral

The court heard that married dad-of-three project manager Mr Blackshaw had attended the funeral of a family friend on the day of the incident.

He later went to a snooker club with a friend where he drank alcohol and left alone around 10.30pm.

Mr Blackshaw took a shortcut through the Morrisons car park while on his way home.

Zafar had a provisional driving licence at the time and later passed his test in May 2022.

Zafar asked colleague Muneed Naeem to sit in his car while on his break to listen to music.

He agreed providing that Zafar did not move the car and gave him the keys.

Around 11pm, Zafar and another man Sahil Hanif entered the car.

Zafar drove off on Paisley Road West before entering the Morrisons car park.

Mr Hanif stated that Zafar was not going "really fast" but that he was over the 30 miles per hour speed limit.

Using his phone while driving

Prosecutor John McElroy KC said: "However, having turned right, according to Mr Hanif stated Zafar put his foot down a bit more and has gone over a guy.

"Mr Hanif did not see the person prior to or at the time of the collision as he was on his phone.

"However, he 'heard a bang and then the car went up as if it smacked a bump and then the front bumper hit the ground'."

Zafar was described as being in shock with his hand over his mouth and stated that he "just hit a guy."

Zafar "panicked" and drove quickly out the car park and back to the takeaway.

He told Mr Naeem that something had happened to his car and the owner initially believed it was a joke.

Mr Naeem then noticed that the registration plate was missing and there was damage to the front bumper.

Zafar said: "A guy was lying on the road and I ran over him."

Mr McElroy said: "Mr Naeem wished to discuss what to do with another employee.

"Zafar did not want him to do this, nor did he want him to contact the emergency services.

"Despite this, Mr Naeem decided to contact the emergency services."

Mr Naeem went to the car park where he came across an unresponsive Mr Blackshaw and gave him CPR until mercy crews arrived.

Police also attended and arrested Zafar who later admitted driving the car.

A check on him discovered that he was a holder of a provisional licence with no valid insurance.

Multiple injuries

Mr Blackshaw was pronounced dead at 11.48pm.

A post-mortem on his body revealed that he suffered extensive injuries to his body including his chest, abdomen, left side of his face, buttocks and back of his thighs.

Mr Blackshaw's liver - which was displaced into his chest - was also wounded.

Mr McElroy added: "Said injuries were in keeping with the car having ran over his body.

"The injuries themselves do not confirm whether he was standing or lying at the time he was struck with the vehicle."

A toxicology report revealed that Mr Blackshaw had alcohol in his system at the time.

Mr McElroy said: "Based on the distribution of injuries and marks on the road, it was ascertained that he was either kneeling down or resting on all fours or fully lying down."

Mr Blackshaw's blood, body tissue and clothing were also found on the underside of the car.

The vehicle examination also uncovered via CCTV that the windscreen was "slightly misted over" before the collision.

It was also determined that after the collision, Zafar drove off at 32 miles per hour.

Tributes were paid to rugby and football coach Mr Blackshaw following his death where he was called "one of the most genuine people."

Duncan McPhie, defending, said: "This was a tragic case and I want to publicly express my condolences and regret for the death of Mr Blackshaw on behalf of Mr Zafar.

"He acknowledges that this is a very serious and tragic matter."

Judge John McCormick that a custodial sentence was "realistic" due to the gravity of the offence.

"A devoted family man"

A family statement issued via Digby Brown Solicitors said: “Derek was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, an uncle, a cousin and a best friend and our hearts ache for him every day.

"He was the very foundation that held us together - a shining example of a hardworking and devoted family man.

“His towering presence, both physically and in his character, made him adored and respected by all who knew him.

“The driver responsible for Derek's death not only took his life but also inflicted immeasurable pain and grief upon us so we therefore welcome the conviction.

"We would finally like to express our deep gratitude to our extended family, friends and community for their unwavering support since Derek's passing and that as we attempt to heal and move forward we kindly request media respects our privacy."

A family statement issued via Digby Brown Solicitors said: “In just over one week’s time it will be two years since Derek was taken from us.

“Derek was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, an uncle, a cousin and a best friend and our hearts ache for him every day.

"He was the very foundation that held us together - a shining example of a hardworking and devoted family man.

“His towering presence, both physically and in his character, made him adored and respected by all who knew him.

“The driver responsible for Derek's death not only took his life but also inflicted immeasurable pain and grief upon us so we therefore welcome the conviction.

"We would finally like to express our deep gratitude to our extended family, friends and community for their unwavering support since Derek's passing and that as we attempt to heal and move forward we kindly request media respects our privacy."

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