Driver Jailed for Death by Careless Driving in Balham Crash
A man who killed a pedestrian in a 2016 Balham crash has been slapped with a 12-month prison sentence. Michael Sunnooman, 52, admitted causing death by careless driving at the Old Bailey on 9 April and was sentenced on 13 April.
Sunnooman Sentenced: Jail and Driving Ban
- 12 months in prison with a minimum six months served behind bars
- Remaining sentence served on licence
- Immediate six-month driving ban covering time in custody
- Additional two years and six months driving disqualification after release
Fatal 2016 Balham Collision
The tragedy unfolded on 13 September 2016 at 10:18pm when Sunnooman’s white Porsche 911 hit 64-year-old pedestrian David Batcup on Bedford Hill near Balham Station Road.
Sunnooman fled the scene, leaving the Porsche abandoned streets away. He later turned himself in at a south London police station and called authorities.
Emergency services arrived quickly, but sadly David Batcup died at the scene. A post-mortem confirmed multiple injuries as the cause of death.
Police Comments on Tragic Crash
“Michael Sunnooman’s failure to stop at the scene showed his disregard for the crime he had committed and the harm he had caused, thinking only of his own situation,” said Detective Constable Liam Kerrigan of the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command.
“This incident highlights just how tragic the consequences of driving without due care and attention can be. Sunnooman’s lapse in concentration sadly cost a man his life, and has caused his family immense pain.”
