Young uninsured driver jailed over woman's death in Sutton Coldfield
Natasha Thorp remembered by her family in heartfelt tribute
Last updated 19th Sep 2026
Tributes are being paid to a young woman who died after being hit by an uninsured driver in Sutton Coldfield.
In a poignant statement read in court, the family of 21 year old Natasha Thorp expressed the profound loss they feel every day:
"Tash was our daughter, a sister, a girlfriend, a granddaughter, a niece, and a friend to so many. No words will ever be able to express just how much we miss our dear Tash.
"Tash has been described as one in a million, as having her own unique style, and once met never forgotten. When she walked into a room it felt like someone had switched the light on. She could turn ordinary evenings into unforgettable memories.
"We will never know how her life would have turned out, what life she would have created.
"Not a single day goes by when we are not brought to tears thinking about our gorgeous girl.
"We have lost someone that could walk into any room anywhere, and regardless of where that was and who was in there, fill that place with joy and chatter and laughter. We will miss Tash in everything we do."
The tragedy unfolded on 22nd August last year on Brassington Avenue, when Natasha was hit by a Toyota Corolla driven by 20-year-old Saleh Hassan. Despite the swift actions of emergency crews and passers-by, Natasha was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hassan had been driving erratically before the vehicle swerved out of control, mounting the pavement and striking Natasha, as well as her friend who suffered serious leg injuries.
He admitted to causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and causing death whilst uninsured during a hearing on 21st July.
On Friday, he was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court to nine years and four months in jail, and was disqualified from driving for 12 years and eight months.
Witnesses reported members of the public attempting to help the women before police and ambulance arrived. Hassan was arrested immediately at the scene.
PC Lee Riley from the Serious Collison Investigation Unit said: "This young woman has tragically lost her life and her friend left with serious injuries by the actions caused by Hassan .
"Natasha's family now have to live with the result of that decision for the rest of their lives. We can only hope that this conviction and sentencing bring them some peace to be able to grieve and remember the woman they have lost."