Speeding BMW Driver Jailed for Fatal Red Light Crash
A 25-year-old electrician has been locked up after running a red light in his powerful BMW, killing a 90-year-old pensioner in Solihull.
Deadly Crash on Warwick Road
John Sassons Taylor, driving his white Peugeot 208, was turning right from Warwick Road onto New Road when Russell Averis slammed into him on Wednesday, 3 April 2019.
Two days later, Mr Taylor died in hospital from his injuries.
Blowing Through Red Light at 51mph
Birmingham Crown Court heard that Averis sped up as the lights switched from green to amber, then blasted past the stop line at 51mph as the lights turned red.
His BMW crashed into Mr Taylor’s car before veering off the road and smashing into a tree.
Forensic officer PC Gurvinder Khosa said Averis could have stopped safely if he had obeyed the 30mph limit, with 55 metres to brake.
Harsh Sentence and Strong Warning
- Averis, from Willow Drive, Cheswick Green, pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving.
- He was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.
- He was banned from driving for 56 months.
PC Mark Crozier from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Once again excessive speed and aggressive driving have resulted in a death on the roads of the West Midlands.
“Mr Taylor died because Averis had one intention and that was to ‘beat the red light’. Our thoughts remain with Mr Taylor’s family for the loss of their loved one.
“This conviction highlights the dangers of excessive speed and aggressive driving which can so quickly escalate into disaster and loss.”
