Driver jailed after killing 'much-loved' pensioner in Birmingham hit-and-run
A Birmingham man has been jailed after killing a pensioner in a hit-and-run.
A driver has been jailed after killing a pensioner in a hit-and-run in Stetchford, Birmingham.
Wynford Griffiths, 71, was hit on Audley Road at around 9pm on 9 February. Despite efforts to save him, he died at the scene.
The car fled the scene and was later found abandoned in a car park.
Four months later, on 5 June, Makyle Tagggart, 30, was arrested at a place in Castle Vale where police seized clothing a footwear that they believed he wore on 9 February.
The investigation also found he had been travelling at 72-79mph before the collision.
He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, which he initially denied. He later changed his plea to guilty.
Wynford's family have been supported by specialist officers throughout this tragic time. His sister paid tribute to him saying: "Willie was a very private man and only had a small social circle, but he was very much loved and cared for.
"I can accept the loss of my other family members, but Willie was cruelly mown down with his shopping after getting off his regular bus. This was to be my brother's last journey.
"The impact that this has had on me can never be put into words and I will never ever be able to get rid of the image of my younger brother dying in the road.
"There will be no more shopping days, no more coffees, and no more family get-togethers. This is just the beginning of what we have all lost."
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the West Midlands Police Serious Collision Unit, said: "Securing justice for Wynford and his family has been at the forefront of our minds throughout this investigation.
"Taggart's actions were reckless that night, and then callous in not handing himself in and instead going on the run.
“A thorough investigation meant that he was brought to justice and will serve a considerable amount of time in prison.”
Taggart, of Lea Hall Road, Birmingham, has been jailed for 13 years and two months. He was also disqualified from driving for 18 years.