A 23-year-old driver has been sentenced to eight years and six months in prison after killing a 79-year-old grandfather in a high-speed collision in Streetly, near Sutton Coldfield. Arjun Nijjar was driving at approximately 83mph in a 30mph zone while over the legal alcohol limit and without valid insurance when he struck Douglas Draper on Thornhill Road.
The fatal crash occurred on August 16, 2025, as Mr. Draper was crossing the road after returning from shopping. According to West Midlands Police and court reports from Wolverhampton Crown Court, Nijjar pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol. In addition to his prison sentence, Nijjar was disqualified from driving for more than 10 years.
Details of the Fatal Collision on Thornhill Road
CCTV footage reviewed by investigators showed the high-powered Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG accelerating sharply just before the impact. Prosecutor Andrew Wallace told the court that there were no mechanical issues that contributed to the crash, though skid marks indicated the anti-lock braking system was not fully functional. However, the court heard that this malfunction had no bearing on the outcome, as Nijjar’s extreme speed entirely eliminated sufficient stopping distance.
Detectives established that Nijjar was travelling at roughly 83mph on a stretch of road strictly limited to 30mph. Following the incident, Nijjar initially lied to members of the public at the scene, falsely claiming he had maintained the speed limit. He later admitted his guilt during court proceedings.
Devastating Impact on the Victim’s Family
During the sentencing hearing on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, an emotional victim impact statement was read on behalf of the victim’s family. Mr. Draper’s son, Adam, described the profound grief and lingering trauma experienced by the family, noting that his mother lost her husband of 46 years.
“You always hope that anyone you love dies peacefully, but this was not the case for my dad, and I will forever be haunted by this,” Adam Draper told the court. “Dad was mom’s carer after her years of ill health and mobility issues. The memories still trick and taunt us both. She’s betrayed by the hope he’ll just walk in through the door.”
The court heard that Mr. Draper had survived prostate cancer and maintained an active lifestyle by walking regularly to run errands and keep fit. On the evening of the crash, he had waited at a pedestrian crossing near Sutton Coldfield Golf Club before attempting to cross toward Sutton Park.
Sentencing and Judicial Remarks
Judge Michael Chambers KC condemned the motorist’s actions during sentencing at Wolverhampton Crown Court. Judge Chambers noted that Nijjar was familiar with the area and should have anticipated pedestrian traffic near the crossing, regardless of traffic signal states.
Defense counsel Balraj Bhatia KC explained that Nijjar, a University of Birmingham graduate, had experienced personal difficulties, including the breakdown of a three-year relationship and the loss of his business, which led him to drink heavily in the months preceding the crash. Despite these mitigating submissions regarding his clean prior record and supportive family background, the severity of the offense necessitated a custodial sentence.
Detective Sergeant Richard Evans of West Midlands Police emphasized the utter recklessness of the behavior behind the wheel. “He was over the drink-drive limit and driving at speed in a high-powered car that he was not insured to be driving,” Det Sgt Evans said. “He had no regard for other road users, and his selfish driving led to this tragic loss.”
