Sarah Slater was instructed by the CPS to prosecute Shazad Alam for causing the death of 12 year old Azaan Khan by dangerous driving. He initially pleaded Not guilty, but changed his plea to guilty in September.
On the 8th June 2023 at around 18:15, Azaan Khan was out with his friends and visiting a shop on the A45 Coventry Road. They crossed the busy road at a pedestrian crossing near to the junction with Berkeley Road, Yardley, Birmingham. At this point, the road is subject to a 40mph limit.
His two friends were able to cross over on foot but Azaan Khan was struck by the Defendant’s BMW vehicle as he reached lane 3 on his bicycle. Witnesses described how the Defendant had been driving aggressively and at speed prior to the collision. He then undertook several vehicles and cut across into lane 3 at speed just prior to the pedestrian crossing. This highly dangerous maneuver was caught both on CCTV and dash cam footage. A forensic report provided by a police collision expert confirmed that he was traveling at up to 62mph on the approach to the crossing.
Sadly, Azaan Khan was confirmed deceased at the scene. His parents were at court for sentence and both read out their highly impactive Victim Personal Statements.
On the 21st November 2024 at Birmingham Crown Court, Alam was sentenced to 8 years and 9 months custody along with a disqualification for a total of 12 years and 10 months.
