A reckless, disqualified driver – who was speeding and under the influence of drink and drugs when he caused a collision which killed a nine-year-old boy in Kings Norton in July – has been jailed.
Thirty-two-year-old James Connors, from Solihull, was driving his Volkswagen Tiguan vehicle at high speed when he smashed into the rear of a Renault Scenic vehicle on Primrose Hill at its junction with Masshouse Lane, shortly before 6pm on 28th July this year.
Tragically, the boy in the Renault Scenic suffered fatal injuries and died in hospital two weeks later.
The boy’s grandmother, who was driving the Renault, was taken to hospital having suffered a broken vertebrae.
Connors pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, drink driving and driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs.
Connors appeared back at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday (12th November) for sentencing where he was jailed for 13-and-a-half years. He was also handed a driving ban for 16 years and nine months.
Our investigation established Connors, who was a banned driver, was more than double the legal drink driving limit at the time of the collision and had cocaine in his system. He was also driving at speeds reaching 85mph on the 30mph road.
Whilst officers were investigating the collision they also discovered Connors had been involved in another collision not long before. He was driving on the wrong side of the road and forced another vehicle to swerve out of the way causing damage to the front of his vehicle.
Sergeant Rich Evans, from our Serious Road Traffic Collision Unit, said: “Connors was already disqualified from driving and got behind the wheel of his vehicle having consumed alcohol and drugs. His actions were totally reckless and totally reprehensible and has resulted in the death of a boy as well as causing serious injuries to his grandmother.
“Connors will now serve many years behind bars where he will have time to reflect on his actions on that day.
“Our thoughts remain with the young boy’s family as they continue to come to terms with their loss.”