John O’Higgins of No5 Barristers’ Chambers has led the prosecution of a van driver found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.
On trial at Birmingham Crown Court was builder Malcolm Williams, 59, of Cranleigh Place, Perry Barr, who had a string of conviction going back 24 years, including being caught drink-driving twice, importing drugs and driving while disqualified.
After a five-day trial, the jury found him guilty of causing the death of 61-year-old grandfather Paul Foster. He was jailed for five years.
Williams pleaded guilty to failing to stop and failing to report an accident.
The prosecution told the court that on the morning of December 10, Mr Foster parked his car by Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium and was walking along the pavement to work. He was stuck by an ‘out of control’ white Transit van being driven by Williams.
Mr Foster was flung through the air, suffering devastating and catastrophic injuring, and died at the scene.
Instead of staying at the scene, Williams disappeared for 13 hours before handing himself into police at 8pm.
For a report of the trial, read the BirminghamLive report here: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/grandfather-died-after-being-flung-14826879
John O’Higgins is a member of the Crime Group at No5 Barristers’ Chambers. He has appeared in numerous cases of homicide, serious violence, sexual offences, drugs and fraud. He is recognised as a leading member of the profession in the Chambers UK Bar Guide and the Legal 500.
