A heartless motorist who took the life of a cyclist in a tragic hit-and-run incident has finally faced justice after fleeing the country and living a new life in Pakistan. Kashif Khan, 28, was speeding at more than double the legal limit when he struck 59-year-old grandfather Andel Goulbourne on Washwood Heath Road in Saltley. Khan then fled the scene, booked a flight to Dubai, and ultimately settled in Pakistan, where he started a family and worked as a taxi driver.
After more than a year on the run, Khan returned to Birmingham Airport in July of this year and was promptly arrested. His actions left Mr. Goulbourne’s family grappling with a sense of loss and lack of closure. The beloved Mr. Goulbourne was described as a cherished family member, and his death left a significant void in the lives of those who knew him.
The Tragic Incident on Washwood Heath Road
The fatal collision occurred late at night on July 30, 2020, when Khan was behind the wheel of a borrowed BMW, traveling at speeds well above the speed limit. Witnesses recounted how Khan recklessly overtook other vehicles on a slip road before abruptly merging back onto Washwood Heath Road, where he struck Mr. Goulbourne, who was riding his bicycle in the opposite direction. The impact was so severe that Mr. Goulbourne was thrown into the air before coming to rest 50 meters away from the collision site.
CCTV footage captured the horrific moment of impact, showing Mr. Goulbourne’s lifeless body lying on the road. Despite the gravity of the situation, Khan callously abandoned the scene, leaving Mr. Goulbourne to the mercy of bystanders who rushed to his aid. Judge Kerry Maylin condemned Khan’s cowardly actions, noting that he had callously walked away from the scene, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.
A History of Reckless Behavior
Khan’s reckless driving was not an isolated incident. Prior to the fatal collision, he had already been convicted of dangerous driving in 2017, resulting in a six-month prison sentence and a 15-month driving ban. Despite this, Khan continued to flout the law, engaging in dangerous driving that ultimately claimed the life of an innocent victim.
Following the collision, Khan made a hasty escape, boarding a flight to Dubai less than 20 hours after the incident. For months, he evaded authorities, prompting a nationwide manhunt that offered a substantial reward for information leading to his whereabouts. Despite the efforts to locate him, Khan managed to evade capture until his voluntary return to the UK earlier this year.
Justice Served
In a court hearing on Thursday, September 19, Khan pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was handed a six-year prison sentence. Additionally, he received a 12-year and ten-and-a-half-month driving ban, emphasizing the severity of his actions. Judge Maylin acknowledged the pain and suffering inflicted on Mr. Goulbourne’s family, emphasizing that the sentence aimed to address the criminality of Khan’s behavior rather than assigning a value to the victim’s life.
Mr. Goulbourne’s family members expressed their profound grief and anguish over the loss of their loved one. His sister, Carol Gordon, vividly recalled the haunting images of the collision and the devastating impact it had on their lives. For Mr. Goulbourne’s children, including his daughter Samantha Higgins, Khan’s lack of remorse and selfish actions only deepened their sense of loss and betrayal.
Moving Forward
Despite Khan’s attempts to evade responsibility for his actions, he ultimately faced the consequences of his reckless behavior. While his return to the UK and guilty plea may signal a semblance of remorse, the pain and suffering inflicted on Mr. Goulbourne’s family remain palpable. As they continue to mourn the loss of their beloved family member, they hope that Khan will reflect on the profound impact of his actions and seek redemption for the irreparable harm he has caused.
In conclusion, the tragic case of Kashif Khan serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving. As communities grapple with the aftermath of such senseless tragedies, it is essential to hold accountable those who flout the law and endanger the lives of others. May justice be served for the victims and their families, and may their memories be honored through a commitment to safer roads for all.