Richard Strickland, a banned driver who killed his friend in a head-on crash while 'showing off' in his new Mercedes, has been jailed for 11 years. The 47-year-old, of Jonah Drive, Tipton, was driving at more than double the 30 mph speed limit when he lost control on Alexandra Road on January 3, 2024, veering into oncoming traffic and hitting a Peugeot van driven by Davinder Bains.
Crash Details and Speeding
Strickland was traveling at between 71 mph and 75 mph in his Mercedes C320 when he lost control around a bend. The prosecution argued he was 'showing off' in his new car, which he had acquired the day before. The collision occurred outside Bains Supasave store, within seconds of losing control. Strickland was not insured, was disqualified from driving, and had no MOT.
His front-seat passenger, Deepak Nayyar, 43, suffered fatal injuries and died in hospital on February 1, 2024, after life support was withdrawn. Neither Strickland nor Nayyar were believed to be wearing seatbelts. Mr. Bains suffered a leg fracture, pelvis and sternum injuries, requiring two operations and a skin graft, and was forced to sell his self-employed business due to his injuries.
Court Proceedings and Sentence
At Wolverhampton Crown Court on July 6, 2026, Strickland initially pleaded guilty on a basis that he had an epileptic fit, which the Crown rejected. He later withdrew that basis and accepted the crash was caused by excess speed. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison and banned from driving for 14 years.
Prosecutor Rajbir Punia told the court Strickland had four convictions for nine offenses, six relating to vehicle offenses, including a 2004 driving ban and a 2020 suspended sentence for dangerous driving. He was still subject to a driving ban and had not passed an extended driving test required to regain his license.
Victim Impact Statements
Mr. Nayyar's family described him as 'loveable', 'humble', and 'kind'. His sister said she has flashbacks of her brother lying in a hospital bed. Another sister said his death had 'tarnished their memories'. Mr. Bains, in a statement, said the incident changed his life significantly, leaving him unable to run or play football, and forcing him to sell his business.
Judge Michael Chambers KC noted Mr. Bains was driving in a 'lawful and proper manner' and had nowhere to go when Strickland's car appeared. He described Nayyar's death as 'tragic and unnecessary'.
Defense and Remorse
Suzanne Francis, defending, said Strickland suffered from anxiety and depression, had attempted suicide, and showed genuine remorse, counting Mr. Nayyar as 'like a brother'. He was a father of two and grandfather of three, working as a security guard and door supervisor.
