Jail threat after mobility scooter man hit by car in Smethwick
A 19-year-old motorist, who admitted causing serious injury to a disabled man while at the wheel of a stolen car, has been warned he is likely to be locked up.
Mohammed Mahmood was of previous good character when he cut the corner at a junction and ploughed into David Hale who was crossing the side road on his mobility scooter on October 3 last year.
The 66-year-old victim was flung from his machine onto the road where he was run over by the Skoda Octavia.
The car that hit him did not stop at the scene. Badly hurt Mr Hale was left lying in Montague Road, Smethwick, alongside his damaged scooter until passers-by rushed to help him.
He is said to have suffered life changing injuries in the crash.
Mr Paul Spratt told Wolverhampton Crown Court: “He is a shadow of the man he was then.”
Mahmood was traced and arrested after abandoning the car around a mile from where he lived.
The horrific crash was captured on film.
Mahmood also admitted handling the stolen car between August 24 and October 5 last year.
Mr Rajinder Gill, defending, said the defendant was aware how serious the offences were.
He said: “It is highly unlikely that he was the prime user of this vehicle but he knows how serious these offences are and came to court in full knowledge that he is looking at a custodial sentence.”
Mr Gill said the issue was likely to be whether it could be suspended.
Mahmood, of Durban Road, Smethwick, was remanded on bail for reports to be prepared and was bailed until September 20 when he is expected to be sentenced.
Judge Dean Kershaw told him it was likely he would be jailed.
He said: “You have had the good sense to plead guilty but it is very likely to be a custodial sentence. At the forefront of the sentencing judges mind will be the effect this has had on the injured party.”
