THE DEVASTATED family of a dad struck by a learner driver in a fatal hit-and-run crash on his way back from a funeral have blasted his killer’s sentence.
Ali Zafar was jailed for four years today after driving dangerously in a supermarket car park with a fogged-up windscreen before crashing into pedestrian Derek Blackshaw.
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He was just 17 when he struck the 46-year-old at Morrisons in Glasgow’s Cardonald on October 1, 2021.
Zafar, of Calfhill Road, Glasgow, who held a provisional licence earlier admitted causing the death of the “adored” father by dangerous driving.
Judge John McCormick said no sentence that the court could impose would reflect their loss or grief.
He told Zafar that a custodial sentence was required and added: “It is necessary to punish you, to seek to deter you and others from driving in such a dangerous manner and, of course, to protect the public.”
But Mr Bradshaw’s family have said they feel “saddened” by the final outcome as they hit out at the “relatively short length of time” he is likely to spend behind bars.
A family statement released through lawyers Digby Brown, said: “While no sentence could ever reflect the loss of Derek or our pain, we still feel saddened by the final outcome and the relatively short length of time that driver will likely spend behind bars.
“Derek was wholesome, honourable and adored and the loss of such a man is felt by more than his family and friends – it is also felt by the wider community which was enhanced through his work, time and desire to help others
“Our only comfort is the knowledge that this painful process has stopped and we can now move forward with the same dignity and strength as Derek would have done.”
The judge pointed out that the aggravating features included Zafar driving at speed in the car park and failing to stop and alert the authorities after the collision.
He told him he would have faced a six-year jail term for the offence, but it would be reduced to take account of his guilty plea.
The judge banned Zafar from driving for eight years and ordered that he must pass an extended test before holding a driving licence in the future.
Zafar was travelling at an average speed of 32mph in the car park and said to a passenger in the car that he had “just hit a guy” before driving away from the scene.
He drove back to a takeaway and told the owner of the car what had occurred.
His colleague Mr Naeem – who Zafar borrowed his keys to listen to music in the car on the condition he did not drive – thought it was a joke at first until he saw damage to the vehicle.
He then contacted emergency services and went to the scene and attempted CPR on the victim.
Defence counsel Duncan McPhie said first offender Zafar was remorseful and wished to apologise to the bereaved family.
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