Driver jailed for killing pedestrian at 83mph

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 13:33 · Archive

A 23-year-old driver has been jailed for eight years and six months for killing a pedestrian while driving at 83mph in a 30mph zone.

Arjun Nijjar, 23, was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Tuesday after admitting causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. He struck Douglas Draper, who was crossing the road while out shopping, on Thornhill Road in Streetly, Sutton Coldfield, on 16 August.

CCTV footage showed Nijjar's Mercedes accelerate before hitting the pedestrian. West Midlands Police found he had been travelling at approximately 83mph on a 30mph road. Nijjar stayed at the scene but lied to members of the public, telling them he had been driving at the speed limit. The court also heard he was uninsured.

In an emotional statement, Draper's son said his mother had lost her husband of 46 years and her carer following years of ill health and mobility issues. He described the lasting impact on both of them, saying the memories 'trick and taunt' them and that his mother is 'betrayed by the hope he'll just walk-in through the door'. He expressed that he will 'forever be haunted' by the circumstances of his father's death.

How it is being reported

• Family 'forever haunted' by 83mph crash deathArjun Nijjar, 23, is jailed for fatally hitting father Douglas Draper who was crossing the road.BBC Birmingham And Black Country · 16 Oct, 13:05
• Son's devastating tribute to dad who 'would be home' but for 83mph driverArjun Nijjar drove a Mercedes C63 AMG at high speed before the 23-year-old crashed into Douglas Draper.BirminghamLive · 16 Oct, 08:26

In this story: Arjun Nijjar · Douglas Draper · Sutton Coldfield · Wolverhampton Crown Court · West Midlands Police

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem