A teenage driver who killed a grandfather as he sped a 105,000 Range Rover at 81 mph, in a 30 mph zone has regretted his action. Kirpal Singh Sokhi, 19, careered into Stephen Beckett’s car after “flooring” the powerful 4x4, which he had allegedly taken without permission.
As he was jailed for five years, Birmingham Crown Court heard Sokhi reportedly ignored speed humps and speed signs and kept the accelerator pedal to the floor until a crash was inevitable.
'Extraordinary' grandfather Mr Beckett was killed in the crash and a nine-year-old passenger seriously injured, in Bills Lane, Shirley. The pair had been on their way to play cricket when the accident happened.
In a letter to the court and Mr Beckett’s family, Sokhi said: “It is very difficult to express how sorry I am.
“I know I can’t turn back time but what happened was not my intention at all.
“I do not ask for forgiveness as I can not forgive myself."
The automotive design student, of Tetley Road, Hall Green, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving without any insurance. He was also banned from driving for six years.
A victim impact statement from Mr Beckett’s wife described him as a “kind, loving husband” who had been looking forward to a long retirement.
She described him as: “Everything to all of us.”
The court heard Mr Beckett’s young passenger was still receiving treatment for the injuries he suffered.
The West Midlands force said Mr Beckett's family had expressed their gratitude to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the emergency services who attended the collision and everyone who made donations to the family.
