Speeding Driver Jailed for 15 Years After Fatal 'Maniac' Crash on Aston Expressway
A speeding driver who killed a university student in a horrific collision on Birmingham's Aston Expressway has been handed a 15-year prison sentence. Saqlane Zafar, 28, caused the death of 21-year-old Ryan Sandhu after smashing into his Ford Fiesta at high speed in the early hours of June 2, 2024.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The court heard that Zafar was driving a rented Audi SQ7 in a manner described by Judge Peter Cooke as that of a 'maniac'. He had been seen inhaling nitrous oxide and staggering on CCTV at a Shell petrol station on Stratford Road just minutes before the crash. Zafar then embarked on a reckless drive along the A38(M), weaving through traffic, using closed lanes, and narrowly avoiding collisions with other vehicles and a road worker.
At the time of the impact, Zafar was travelling at 91mph, despite the speed limit being reduced to 40mph due to roadworks. The force of the collision was so severe that it caused Mr Sandhu's car to jolt forward and hit another vehicle, though fortunately, the occupants of that car were unharmed. Tragically, Ryan Sandhu suffered a catastrophic head injury and died at the scene.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Birmingham Crown Court, Zafar pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. In addition to the 15-year prison term, he was banned from driving for the same period. Judge Cooke emphasised the gravity of the case, stating it was 'as bad as it can get' and that Zafar's driving showed a complete disregard for safety.
Muhammad Hamza, 29, a friend of Zafar who was involved in the aftermath, was found guilty of perverting the course of justice and dangerous driving. He received a sentence of four years and six months, along with a driving ban of five years and three months. Hamza had attempted to evade police in a high-speed chase after collecting Zafar from the crash scene.
Impact on the Victim's Family
Ryan Sandhu, a student at Staffordshire University, was about to start his final year of study. On the night of the incident, he had been celebrating a friend's birthday and was returning home to see his family ahead of his uncle's funeral. In emotional statements to the court, his family described the profound loss they have endured.
His mother, Balbiro Kaur Sandhu, called Ryan the 'baby of the family' and 'our biggest purpose', expressing how the family has been left traumatised and unable to function. His sister, Kim Sandhu, highlighted the unbearable nature of his death, stating, 'Knowing his death was caused by someone driving dangerously, under the influence of alcohol and nitrous oxide is unbearable. These were choices, selfish, reckless and criminal choices.'
Mr Sandhu's girlfriend, Molly Batkin, broke down in tears as she spoke of their planned future together, saying, 'When Ryan's life ended part of me went with him. A part I will never get back.'
Further Evidence and Aftermath
CCTV and dashcam footage played a crucial role in the trial, capturing Zafar's dangerous driving in detail. The footage showed him ploughing into traffic cones, narrowly missing an oncoming vehicle, and disposing of nitrous oxide canisters over the edge of the expressway wall after the crash. Road worker Jason Evans, who had placed the cones, stated that he narrowly avoided being killed, having heard the 'popping' sound of the cones and jumped out of the way.
Zafar, who has previous convictions for dangerous driving and driving while disqualified, refused breath and blood tests at the time of his arrest due to intoxication. In a letter read to the court, he expressed being 'deeply sorry' to the Sandhu family, though he admitted he did not confess his guilt earlier because he was 'petrified of going to prison' and 'selfish'.
Hamza's defence claimed he was unaware of the fatality at the time and expressed remorse for his actions. The court also noted that a third man seen exiting the vehicle after the crash has yet to be found.
