The family of Natasha Thorp have paid tribute to their 'one in a million' daughter after the uninsured driver who killed her was jailed for nine years and four months.
Natasha, 21, was walking on a pavement in Brassington Avenue, Sutton Coldfield, on August 22, 2025, when she was fatally hit by a car driven by 20-year-old Saleh Hassan. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Collision details
Shortly before the collision, Hassan had been driving multiple circuits around Sutton Coldfield town centre before heading down Brassington Avenue, which is a 30mph road. He swerved out of control, mounted the pavement and hit Natasha and a friend.
Natasha's friend suffered serious leg injuries as a result of the collision.
Court proceedings and sentencing
On July 21, Hassan admitted to causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and causing death whilst uninsured, at a hearing.
On Friday, September 18, he was jailed for nine years and four months at Birmingham Crown Court and disqualified from driving for 12 years and eight months.
Family tribute
In a statement read to the court, Natasha's family said: "Tash was our daughter, a sister, a girlfriend, a granddaughter, a niece, and a friend to so many.
"No words will ever be able to express just how much we miss our dear Tash.
"Tash has been described as one in a million, as having her own unique style, and once met never forgotten.
"When she walked into a room it felt like someone had switched the light on. She could turn ordinary evenings into unforgettable memories.
"We will never know how her life would have turned out, what life she would have created.
"Not a single day goes by when we are not brought to tears thinking about our gorgeous girl.
"We have lost someone that could walk into any room anywhere, and regardless of where that was and who was in there, fill that place with joy and chatter and laughter. We will miss Tash in everything we do."
Police response
PC Lee Riley, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This young woman has tragically lost her life and her friend left with serious injuries by the actions caused by Hassan.
"Natasha's family now have to live with the result of that decision for the rest of their lives.
"We can only hope that this conviction and sentencing bring them some peace to be able to grieve and remember the woman they have lost."
