Driver jailed over hit and run death after drug deal car chase
A man has been jailed for causing the death of a woman in a hit and run in Birmingham as he was being chased by two cars after a drug deal turned nasty.
Mohammed Ishfaq, of Leonard Road, Handsworth, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Krishna Devi Droch by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday.
The 34-year-old was driving a Vauxhall Zafira on the wrong side of central bollards at a crossing point when he hit Krishna in November, 2017.
The court heard that Ishfaq had been involved in a drug deal which turned nasty and he sped away in the Zafira, chased by a light green Vauxhall Corsa and a silver grey Ford Mondeo. The three cars shot over a red light on the Soho Road into Rookery Road and travelled down the densely populated and busy street.
The car did not stop and was found burned out two hours later less than two miles away.
West Midlands Police said the investigation to prove that Ishfaq was behind the wheel of the car was "complex" and detectives studied hours of CCTV to track the route of the car and the suspect. The cars that pursued him were both on false plates and were also found abandoned within 24 hours of the collision. Their drivers have never been traced.
Specialists were brought in to study CCTV to compare facial features to prove Ishfaq was the person in the footage. The CCTV was reviewed several times to ensure nothing was missed, and it was during one of these reviews that an investigator noticed the suspect appear to bend over in the corner of the screen.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the force’s serious collision investigation unit, explained: “It was a significant spot. From local maps we discovered there was a drain at the location. Specialist search officers were deployed and, although a year on from the collision, they found the key to the Zafira hidden in a crisp packet and dumped in the drain.
“This gave us enough to charge Ishfaq, and given the weight of evidence against him, he had little alternative than to plead guilty.
“I hope this helps bring some closure to Krishna’s family who have dealt with this tragedy bravely.
“Their loss was immense. Krishna was a central figure in their family and is sorely missed. My thoughts are with them."
A tribute from Krishna’s family said: “Our family has been left heartbroken. Krishna Devi Droch was not only a mother but a daughter, sister, grandmother and aunt.
“This is not only a loss to the family, but a loss to the community. Through her kindness and support she was the foundation of our family.
“Although nothing can ever replace what we have lost, her love and care will stay with us forever."
Ishfaq was jailed for six years and three months. He was also banned from driving for 10 years and will need to sit an extended retest before being allowed to drive again.
