A driver has admitted killing a two-year-old boy by careless driving, but denied his driving was dangerous at the time of the head-on crash. Sharjeel Shahzad will face trial in July at Wolverhampton Crown Court in connection with the hit-and-run collision involving a Porsche Cayenne, which was fitted with false number plates, in Smethwick.
The 30-year-old, of Cooksey Lane, Great Barr, pleaded guilty today, Wednesday, January 15, to causing the death of Shehbaz Singh by careless driving but entered a not guilty plea to causing death by dangerous driving.
He also admitted two charges of causing serious injury by careless driving, but again denied his driving had been dangerous. Appearing in the dock wearing a grey sweatshirt, Shahzad further admitted two counts of using a motor vehicle without third party insurance, and one charge of driving other than in accordance with a licence.
He also entered a guilty plea to driving an Audi A4 dangerously on Ashby Road, Loughborough, as well as on the A446, A512, A42, M42 and the M6 on June 10 last year.
Shehbaz, a passenger in a Toyota Auris, died after he and the four adults were taken to hospital following a two-car collision in Dartmouth Road in Smethwick on December 14.
Adjourning the case against Shahzad for trial on the charges of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving, Judge Michael Chambers KC told him: “Your case is adjourned for trial, currently listed to be July 7.
“We will try to bring it forward if we can. You have a right to give evidence at your trial. In the meantime you are remanded in custody in relation to all matters.”