Driver jailed for killing boy, 12, in Birmingham collision
Shazad Alam hit Azaan Khan on Coventry Road in June
Last updated 21st Nov 2024
A driver has been jailed for nearly nine years after killing a 12-year-old cyclist in a collision in Birmingham.
Shazad Alam was driving a BMW M3 along Coventry Road on Saturday 8 June, when he hit Azaan Khan, who died at the scene.
Alam, 34, was arrested at the scene for causing death by dangerous driving.
CCTV found Alam had been driving at between 53 and 62 mph just before he hit Azaan, who was crossing the road on his bicycle.
The 34-year-old, of Lowesmoor Road, Birmingham, pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court and was jailed for eight years and nine months.
The family of Azaan paid an emotional tribute to their son, saying: "It's been over a year since our boy was taken from us, yet we still can't accept the reality that he's gone.
"Azaan was our light, our comfort when life becomes too heavy, our warmth when the world felt cold.
"He had a great sense of humour and a charm like no other. His smile and charisma would fill any room he was in. He left an imprint on anyone who was luckily enough to meet him.
"We can only hope that Azaan's name, his story, will do something and will make people realise that we cannot let this be normal.
"That no parent should endure this kind of heartbreak and pain."
Det Sgt Paul Hughes, from the SCIU, said: "This tragic incident shows the real consequences of getting behind the wheel of a car and driving in a clearly aggressive manner.
"This type of driving is not acceptable on any of our roads. I need all drivers to look at this and other cases and realise the consequences of those split-second decisions they make.
"Our thoughts are with Azaan's loved ones."