Harinderpal Athwal, a 41-year-old Uber Eats driver from Birmingham, has been sentenced to over 11 years in prison following a devastating collision that claimed the life of Jatinder Verma and left his wife, Bandana Verma, severely injured.
On the morning of December 16 last year, Athwal, who had been disqualified from driving just six days earlier, fell asleep at the wheel while driving his Vauxhall Corsa on a busy Birmingham road. After colliding with a parked car, Athwal’s vehicle veered onto the pavement, striking the Verma couple. In panic, he reversed over Jatinder Verma, dragging him partially down the street before fleeing the scene.
Mr. Verma, 54, a devoted family man, died from catastrophic injuries at the scene. Mrs. Verma suffered a bleed on the brain and multiple fractures, leaving her wheelchair-bound months later. Their children have been forced to shoulder adult responsibilities amid profound grief.
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Shockingly, Athwal, despite knowing his driving ban was in effect, continued to drive and attempted to cover his tracks by abandoning the car two streets away and disguising himself before walking off. A sniffer dog helped police locate the vehicle, leading to his arrest.
Athwal pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing death while driving uninsured and disqualified, failing to stop at the scene, and failing to report the accident.
The court heard that Athwal’s driving record was littered with serious offences, including two drink-driving convictions and two previous failures to identify drivers in separate incidents. Despite this, a judge decided against a lifetime driving ban but imposed a 20-year disqualification upon release.
The victim’s family shared heartfelt statements describing the deep impact of the tragedy. Mrs. Verma conveyed her daily struggle with pain, memory loss, and the loss of her husband’s support and stability. Their children, isolated without extended family in the UK, have faced emotional and practical hardships.
Judge Simon Drew KC condemned Athwal’s actions: “You must have known you reversed over someone. You left them abandoned, changed your appearance, and fled without calling emergency services. Your thoughts were only for yourself. Today is your day of reckoning.”
Throughout the hearing, Athwal appeared deeply remorseful, frequently sobbing. His defense lawyer highlighted his role as a father of four and his previous contributions to society, but the severity of the offences left little room for leniency.
This tragic case stands as a stark reminder of the grave consequences of dangerous driving and irresponsibility behind the wheel.