A careless hit-and-run driver has left a pedestrian with life-changing injuries after mounting the pavement in Birmingham, a court has heard. Sheikh Manneh, 29, of Brades Rise, Oldbury, steered off the road and struck the victim on Hamstead Road in the early hours of November 22 last year.
Manneh fled the scene but handed himself into police the next day. He pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, and failing to stop.
Victim's ordeal
The victim, who was facing amputation to his foot, missed his dying mother's final days as he was hospitalised. The court heard he suffered 'physically long-term and life-altering consequences' from the crash.
Prosecutor Charmaine Robinson said: 'At approximately 1.30am, the victim was walking away from Villa Road. The defendant's Vauxhall Astra mounted the pavement and hit him, causing serious injury to his right foot and leg. He then collided with a brick wall, the vehicle was elevated into the air before landing back on four wheels.'
While in hospital, the victim underwent multiple surgeries on his foot, and doctors questioned whether amputation was necessary. Fortunately, it was avoided. However, he remained in hospital when his mother passed away from cancer.
'After the collision he found out his mother had passed away. Due to his condition, he was unable to support her or be there for her. This has caused him a great amount of emotional distress,' Ms Robinson added.
The victim now suffers from chronic fatigue, irritability, insomnia, feelings of hopelessness, and has become emotionally withdrawn. Previously physically active, he now experiences pain when walking, standing, bending, or driving.
Court proceedings
Manneh was disqualified at the time of the collision due to a previous drink-driving offence and was not legally allowed to drive until January this year. His solicitor argued that he handed himself in within 24 hours, so the charge of failing to report the incident was vacated.
The chair of the magistrates said: 'You have pleaded guilty. Your careless and inconsiderate driving has left an individual with potentially life-changing injuries. He was unable to support his mother in her final days. His active lifestyle has been curtailed by your sheer negligence.'
The court noted a starting point of one year in custody, aggravated by Manneh's disregard for the court order and fleeing the scene. The case was sent to Birmingham Crown Court for sentencing on July 14.
