The grieving family of a university student killed in a horrific collision on a major Birmingham road have delivered a powerful condemnation of the driver responsible, describing his initial denial of guilt as a profound "pain and insult" that compounded their unimaginable loss.
A Life Stolen in a Moment of Recklessness
Ryan Sandhu, a 21-year-old student on the cusp of his final year at Staffordshire University, had his life tragically cut short on the A38(M) Aston Expressway in the early hours of Sunday, June 2, 2024. He was returning from celebrating a friend's birthday and heading to see his family ahead of his late uncle's funeral when his Ford Fiesta was violently struck by an Audi SQ7.
The Devastating Impact of a 'Maniac' Driver
The Audi was being driven at excessive speed by 28-year-old Saqlane Zafar from Saltley, who had been captured on CCTV inhaling nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, just moments before the catastrophic impact. Zafar had been weaving dangerously through queuing traffic, undertaking and overtaking other vehicles, and speeding through closed lanes, forcing motorists to swerve out of his path.
He reached a staggering speed of 91mph in a 40mph zone when he smashed into Ryan's car, causing a catastrophic head injury from which the young student died at the scene. The collision was described in court as being "as bad as it can get," with Judge Peter Cooke stating Zafar was driving like a "maniac."
A Family Forced to Relive Their Worst Nightmare
Following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, Zafar was jailed for 15 years for causing death by dangerous driving and banned from driving for the same period. His friend, Muhammad Hamza, aged 29, of Sparkbrook, who was driving a Nissan Qashqai in convoy with Zafar, stopped to pick him up after the crash, and both fled the scene. Hamza was subsequently found guilty of dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice, receiving a sentence of four years and six months.
However, the family's path to justice was marred by further anguish. Zafar initially entered a not guilty plea, a decision that Ryan Sandhu's family say forced them to endure additional trauma.
The 'Insult' of Denial
In a searingly emotional statement released after the sentencing, Ryan's family articulated their compounded suffering. "While we are relieved and grateful that justice has finally been served, we cannot ignore the pain and insult we endured throughout this process," they said.
"The denial of responsibility for such a clear and devastating act was more than just a legal tactic. It was an insult to our family, to the memory of Ryan, and to common decency. It forced us to relive our worst moments, while those responsible denied accountability."
The family described the verdict as a "long-overdue affirmation of the truth" they have carried since their lives were shattered, emphasising that "accountability matters" and that victims' families "will not be silenced."
A Legacy of Love and a Warning Against Recklessness
Ryan's sister told the court that knowing his death was caused by someone's selfish, reckless, and criminal choices was "unbearable." His girlfriend, Molly Batkin, poignantly stated, "When Ryan's life ended part of me went with him. A part I will never get back."
Sergeant Rich Evans from West Midlands Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit stated that Zafar had shown a "complete disregard for the safety of others." Officers discovered numerous nitrous oxide canisters thrown from the Audi at the scene, and Zafar was found with the hire agreement for the vehicle still in his name following his arrest after a police pursuit.
The family concluded their statement with a tribute to Ryan and a sombre reflection on justice: "Most importantly, we will never stop honouring Ryan's life — a life that was stolen, but never forgotten. Justice was delayed, but it was not denied." Their words stand as a stark reminder of the devastating and far-reaching consequences of dangerous driving.
