A devoted grandfather was tragically killed when he was struck by a speeding Audi driver while walking on the pavement in Hockley. Maurice Middleton, 65, described as the 'rock and king' of his family, was going to pick up a paper and cigarettes for his wife while she cooked Sunday dinner. The hardworking fabricator and welder was sent flying into a shop front on Great Hampton Street after being hit by the out-of-control vehicle.
Jailing and Conviction
Shanise Hussain, 27, from West Drive, Handsworth, was jailed for four-and-a-half years at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday, September 3. She was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving following a trial earlier this year.
Details of the Crash
The court heard Hussain was travelling at around 48mph in a 30mph zone when she swerved to avoid a Jaguar that had moved into her lane. She lost control after striking a kerb and pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, careering into Mr Middleton on the pavement.
Family's Heartbreak
In a heartbreaking statement, Mr Middleton's daughter Rose said: "He was our rock and our king. He is loved and missed every day." She described how her father had worked six to seven days a week for 32 years to provide for his family.
Judge Dean Kershaw told Hussain she wouldn't have seen the Jaguar's indication "because of the reckless way you were driving". He said Mr Middleton would not have died if not for her excessive speed and decision to overtake.
The family said they will be grieving his loss for the rest of their lives, with Rose adding that her father "never taught us how to live without him".
