Jailed: Birmingham dangerous driver who left victim to die in hit and run
A dangerous driver has been jailed for killing a man in a hit-and-run collision in Birmingham earlier this year.
Wynford "Willie" Griffiths, 71, died when he was hit by a car in Audley Road, Stechford on February 9.
Makyle Taggart has now been jailed at Birmingham Crown Court for causing death by dangerous driving.
The 30-year-old was driving a BMW X4 on Audley Road, Stechford, at around 9pm on February 9 where he hit the victim, who was treated at the scene but later died.
Taggart failed to stop at the scene and instead abandoned the vehicle in a car park nearby.
An investigation was launched to track the car and the driver.
Taggart was arrested from an address in Castle Vale on June 5, where clothing and footwear believed to have been worn on the night of February 9 were found.
The investigation found he was driving between 72 and 79mph before the collision.
He was charged, and after initially pleading not guilty, he changed his plea in October.
Taggart, of Lea Hall Road, Birmingham, was jailed for 13 years and two months on Thursday. He was also disqualified from driving for 18 years.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from West Midlands Police's Serious Collision Unit, said: "Securing justice for Wynford and his family has been at the forefront of our minds throughout this investigation.
"Taggart's actions were reckless that night, and then callous in not handing himself in and instead going on the run.
“A thorough investigation meant that he was brought to justice and will serve a considerable amount of time in prison.”
Wynford's family have been supported by specialist officers throughout this tragic time.
His sister paid tribute to him saying: "Willie was a very private man and only had a small social circle, but he was very much loved and cared for.
"I can accept the loss of my other family members, but Willie was cruelly mown down with his shopping after getting off his regular bus. This was to be my brothers last journey.
"The impact this has had on me can never be put into words and I will never ever be able to get rid of the image of my younger brother dying in the road.
"There will be no more shopping days, no more coffees and no more family get togethers. This is just the beginning of what we have all lost."
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