“Our family has been left heartbroken."
Mohammed Ishfaq, aged 34, of Handsworth, Birmingham, was jailed for six years and three months for the hit-and-run death of a grandmother.
He drove on the wrong side of the road and struck 62-year-old Krishna Devi Droch in November 2017.
Birmingham Crown Court heard that morning, Ishfaq had been involved in a drug deal that went wrong.
He sped away in a Vauxhall Zafira, chased by a Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Mondeo.
The three cars drove through a red light on the Soho Road into Rookery Road and travelled down the busy street.
Krishna was on her way to morning prayers when Ishfaq made a split-second decision to cross to the wrong side of the bollards.
He struck her, catapulting her into railings on the edge of the pavement, suffering fatal injuries. Krishna died at the scene.
The car did not stop and was found burnt out two hours after the hit-and-run less than two miles away.
Specialists studied CCTV to compare facial features in order to prove that Ishfaq was the driver responsible for the hit-and-run.
The vehicles 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.
At the time, Krishna’s family spoke of their grief. They 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.”
On March 4, 2021, Ishfaq pleaded guilty to causing the death of Krishna by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice, after trying to conceal the evidence by burning the car.
He was jailed for six years and three months.
Ishfaq also received a 10-year driving ban and will need to take an extended retest before he is allowed to drive again.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from West Midlands Police’s serious collision investigation unit, said:
“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.”
Loading ...