Driver Sentenced for Killing 12-Year-Old

Shazad Alam, a 34-year-old driver, has been sentenced to eight years and nine months in prison for the death of 12-year-old Azaan Khan, who was struck by Alam's speeding BMW M3 while crossing Coventry Road in Birmingham on June 8, 2023. CCTV footage revealed Alam was driving between 53 and 62 mph in a 40 mph zone, demonstrating reckless disregard for road safety. The court heard Alam had a history of driving offenses, including previous bans for speeding. Azaan's family expressed their profound grief, describing him as their 'light' and urging the public to recognize the dangers of aggressive driving. Judge Kristina Montgomery emphasized the vulnerability of Azaan as a cyclist and the preventable nature of the tragedy. Alam is also banned from driving for seven years following his release from prison.