Drink-driver who killed Nottingham University student jailed
The 19-year-old was out celebrating with his friends when it happened
A drink-driver who hit a first-year Nottingham Univesity student and left him dying in the road has been jailed for six years and nine months.
William Christmas, 19, died at the scene on Derby Road in March last year.
Manish Shah from Bearsby Drive, Loughborough said he drove off because he thought the victim 'would be okay'. He didn't have insurance, an MOT or an in-date driving license, and is believed to have been three times over the drink drive limit.
William was in his first year at the university, studying politics and international relations. He'd been on a night out with friends and had no chance of survival when Shah ploughed into him at speed in his silver Ford Focus, completely intoxicated.
The 38-year-old drove away without checking his victim or calling 999.
He drove one mile away to Saxon Green, Lenton, before police found him in his battered vehicle.
SHAH HAD NO INSURANCE
Officers established Shah wasn’t insured to drive, his driving licence had expired and the vehicle had no MOT.
He was also clearly heavily intoxicated after being seen trying to manoeuvre the vehicle and was unsteady on his feet while slurring his words.
He refused to provide breath and blood samples but officers obtained a urine sample in custody following his arrest. This was analysed by a forensic science specialist who concluded that Shah was more than likely three times over the legal limit at the time of the collision.
Forensic results also concluded that he would have been driving at around 47mph which is way above the 30mph speed limit.
PLEADING GUILTY
Shah pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and a separate charge of dangerous driving at Nottingham Crown Court last month. As well as his prison sentence today, he was banned from driving for five years following his release from prison.
A post-mortem examination at the Queen’s Medical Centre confirmed William died at the scene from a head injury and had also suffered several other injuries including broken bones.
The avid field hockey player from Dorset had been celebrating the breakup from university due to Covid-19. He was with several friends who witnessed him being struck by Shah as he crossed the road.
Police say his family has been left devastated and is too distraught to provide a statement.
Sergeant Adam Cooper, who led the serious collision investigation, said: “This has been a very difficult and long road for the family, who will never come to terms with what has happened to their beloved son, grandson and twin brother.
“This incident is a complete tragedy which has seen an innocent young life with so much potential, wrongly taken from his family at the hands of Shah.
“Shah held absolutely no regard for Mr Christmas’s life after leaving him dying in the road. His attitude towards drink-driving showed a total lack of care for the safety of others. The family's only comfort is that Shah has now rightly gone to prison for a long time as this case comes to an end.
“Not only has he ruined the lives of the Christmas family, he will also have caused great distress to his own.
“We hope that this serves as an example to drink-drivers and dangerous drivers and makes them think twice before getting behind the wheel or driving recklessly. I would strongly encourage the public to challenge anyone they think might be about to drink-drive. The consequences can be devastating.
“At this time our thoughts are with Mr Christmas’s family and friends, both at university and at his hometown of Dorset, who have all been severely affected by his loss.”
A spokesperson for the University of Nottingham said: "William was a valued member of our University community and this was a tragic waste of a young life. Our thoughts remain with William's family and friends as they continue to come to terms with his devastating loss."