Drunk Driver Jailed for Killing University Student in Hit-and-Run
Manish Shah Sentenced for Fatal Crash
Manish Shah has been locked up for six years and nine months at Nottingham Crown Court for a deadly hit-and-run. The 38-year-old was caught after mowing down 19-year-old William Christmas, a first-year politics and international relations student at the University of Nottingham.
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of 19 March 2020 on Derby Road. Shah, intoxicated and uninsured, smashed into William at speed in his silver Ford Focus. William died instantly at the scene, leaving friends and family shattered.
Shock Details of the Collision
- Shah fled the crash without checking on William or calling emergency services.
- He claimed he left because he heard William talking, assuming he was okay.
- Police found Shah half an hour later, a mile away, with his damaged car at Saxon Green, Lenton.
- Shah had no insurance, an expired licence, and the car had no MOT.
- A forensic expert revealed Shah’s blood alcohol was likely three times the legal limit.
- He was driving around 47mph in a 30mph zone when he struck William.
Family Left Devastated
William, an avid field hockey player from Dorset, had been enjoying a night out with friends to celebrate the university lockdown break due to Covid-19. Witnesses watched in horror as Shah’s speeding car slammed into him while crossing the road.
A post-mortem showed William died from a severe head injury and multiple broken bones.
His family, too distraught to comment, have requested complete privacy.
Force’s Warning to Drink-Drivers
Sergeant Adam Cooper, who led the investigation, said: “This tragic loss has shattered William’s family who will never come to terms with what happened. Shah’s reckless drinking and driving snatched away an innocent young life full of promise.
“He showed no care for William’s life by fleeing the scene. We hope this sentence sends a strong warning to anyone considering driving drunk or dangerously.”
A University of Nottingham spokesperson added: “William was a valued member of our community and his death is a heartbreaking waste of life. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends.”
