Man kills 2-year-old in collision

A man has admitted causing the death of a two-year-old boy in a hit-and-run collision in Smethwick.

Sharjeel Shahzad, 30, was driving a stolen Porsche Cayenne with false plates when he collided with a Toyota Auris on Dartmouth Road at around 11pm on 14 December last year.

Tragically, two-year-old Shehbaz Singh died as a result of the crash. Four other people in the Toyota, including Shehbaz’s parents, were injured — two seriously.

Shahzad fled the scene but was identified as the prime suspect and arrested two days later.

He initially denied responsibility but pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday (11 April) to causing death by dangerous driving. He also admitted two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, as well as driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, and failing to stop after a collision.

Shahzad, of Great Barr, has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 4 July.

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the serious collision investigation unit, said: "Young Shehbaz tragically lost his life and others were seriously injured due to the selfishness and dangerous driving of Shahzad.

He made no attempt to help anyone and ran off, but we quickly identified and arrested him.

This collision has devastated a family, and we’ve continued to support them during these traumatic months. The community has also shown incredible support."

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