Six years each for men who caused death of Telford Go Carz driver
Two men who chased a taxi resulting in the death of the driver have today both been locked up for six years.
Minutes before the fatal crash, Telford Go Carz driver Ishfaq Hussain, 51, was beaten up during a confrontation with John Cox and Brandon Dowen.
The pair pursued Mr Hussain, who had a heart condition, at speeds in excess of 60mph along Ironbridge Road, in Madeley, at about 10.30pm on August 7 last year over claims he had upset Dowen's girlfriend.
She had told Dowen and Bowen that an Asian driver had tried to chat her up, when Mr Hussain had actually asked her for directions.
Mr Hussain's car clipped the kerb before it veered from the road and struck a tree, killing him.
Taxi passenger Kallum Hislop was also injured, but survived.
Nineteen-year-old Dowen, of Park Street, Madeley, punched and kicked the taxi man. He was detained in a young offenders' institution for six years.
Cox, of Harrowby Road, Wolverhampton, was sentenced to six years in prison.
'Great fear'
Sentencing the pair, Judge Michael Chambers QC said both men shared culpability and that the incident could not have happened without each of them.
He said he was satisfied that their behaviour "put the victim in great fear" resulting in him losing control of the red Skoda.
"In any view, Mr Hussain's death was caused by your unlawful actions," he said.
"You Dowen punched and kicked him with over five times. Such was his fear of further violence he drove away at speed and within a very short distance he hit a tree and died of multiple injuries.
"Ishfaq Hussain was a hardworking family man as the victim impact statement from his son Ibrar read aloud in court states.
Liked and loved
"He speaks of a father and grandfather who has been lost and taken from his family. He lived a good industrious life and was clearly much liked and loved.
"Some years ago he had surgery for a heart condition which involved bypass surgery.
"He continued to suffer from cardiac dysrhythmia, but was able to live a full and active life.
"The medical evidence during the trial spoke of him being vulnerable to cardiac arrhythmia triggered by stress."
Judge Chambers said if was not possible to say whether it was the condition or the taxi driver simply losing control after hitting the speed hump that caused the collision.
Both defendants were convicted of Mr Hussain's manslaughter at Stafford Crown Court earlier this week.
They must serve half the terms before being released on licence.
Both were convicted of Mr Hussain's manslaughter at Stafford Crown Court earlier this week.
They must serve half the terms before being released on licence.
Protection
Local policing commander for Telford, Superintendent Tom Harding, said officers has been working with the council to keep taxi drivers protected.
He said: "First and foremost, our thoughts remain with Ishfaq Hussain's family at this very difficult time, we continue to offer our sincere condolences and I hope they can now find a way to rebuild their lives.
"This incident caused a considerable amount of concern in the community at the time and I'm pleased two men have now been found guilty of the manslaughter of Mr Hussain and that they will spend a considerable amount of time in prison.
"This was a tragic incident that saw Mr Hussain attacked simply while doing his job, an attack that sadly resulted in his death.
"This is not acceptable and I will not tolerate attacks on taxi drivers happening in Telford.
"We have been working very closely with our colleagues at Telford & Wrekin Council to make sure taxi drivers are supported in their role, and have the relevant training to help prevent and detect crime, as well as ensure they do not become victims of crime themselves.
"As part of our work police will regularly stop and speak to taxi drivers, not only to make sure they have the necessary paperwork and check their vehicle is roadworthy but also to discuss any concerns they may have.
"I'm really proud of the diverse communities we have right across Telford and am proud of the great community cohesion we have where all of our communities live side by side harmoniously.
"I hope our local communities feel reassured by today's sentencing that we will do everything we can to make sure those responsible for violent crime are thoroughly investigated and held accountable for their actions and I'd like to thank the senior investigating officer in this case, DCI Steve Tonks, and his team, for their thorough investigation in bringing these men to justice."
