A heartbroken widow has spoken of her grief after her husband was killed and she was injured by an Uber Eats driver in Birmingham. Harinderpal Athwal, 41, was jailed for 11 years and three months at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday, May 13, for causing the fatal collision on Soho Road.
The Incident
The tragedy occurred on December 16 last year at 11:15 am. The 47-year-old mother was walking with her husband, 54, along Soho Road when Athwal, driving a Vauxhall Corsa, swerved into oncoming traffic and mounted the pavement for reasons unknown, according to West Midlands Police. The vehicle struck both pedestrians and showed no signs of braking until it collided with a parked car.
CCTV footage revealed that Athwal reversed away from the injured man, then drove forward again, hitting him a second time before fleeing the scene. The man died at the scene, while his wife suffered life-changing injuries and was taken to hospital.
Victim Impact Statement
In a statement, the widow said: “I cry every day for my husband. He was my emotional support and my strength. He managed our finances, made important decisions and kept our family stable. Without him, I feel completely lost. The driver’s actions have taken my husband from me, destroyed my health, and shattered my children’s lives. Because of him I have lost my partner, my independence, my strength, and my future as I knew it.”
Investigation and Sentencing
Athwal, of Sorrel Close, Tividale, was arrested less than 24 hours after the crash, claiming he was unaware anyone had died. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing death while disqualified, driving without a licence or insurance, failing to stop, and failing to report an accident.
In addition to the prison sentence, Athwal was banned from driving for 20 years and must pass an extended retest to regain his licence.
Police Statement
Detective Sergeant Julie Lyman from West Midlands Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “This was a tragic incident that has left a family without their father and loved one. Our thoughts remain with all his family and his wife who is still suffering with injuries that will affect her for the rest of her life. Athwal’s actions in driving away and refusing to help and report the incident were cruel and heartless, and showed his complete disregard for what he had done in killing and seriously injuring innocent people. No sentence will ever bring back the family's loved one, but I hope it brings them some peace that Athwal will now serve time behind bars.”
