Drunk Driver Jailed After Killing University Student in Hit-and-Run
Man jailed for deadly collision with Nottingham student
Manish Shah was locked up for six years and nine months at Nottingham Crown Court after a tragic crash that claimed the life of 19-year-old William Christmas. The politics and international relations undergraduate died instantly when Shah, intoxicated and speeding, struck him on Derby Road in the early hours of 19 March 2020.
Shah fled the scene despite victim dying
The 38-year-old, from Bearsby Drive in Loughborough, was driving a silver Ford Focus when he hit William, who was crossing the road after a night out with friends. Shah, completely drunk, drove off without checking on William or calling 999. He later told police he left because he heard William talking and assumed he’d be okay.
Shah drove about a mile before police found him 30 minutes later in Saxon Green, Lenton, behind the wheel of his badly damaged and unsafe vehicle. Officers discovered he wasn’t insured, his licence had expired, and the car had no MOT.
Forensics reveal speeding and heavy intoxication
Shah refused to give breath and blood samples but police got a urine sample in custody. A forensic report showed he was likely three times over the legal alcohol limit at the crash time, with 296mg alcohol per 100ml urine versus the 107mg limit. He had been driving around 47mph in a 30mph zone.
He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and a separate dangerous driving charge at Nottingham Crown Court on 16 April 2021. He has also been banned from driving for five years post-release.
Family devastated as friends and police speak out
A post-mortem confirmed William died from a fatal head injury and had multiple broken bones. The Dorset-born hockey player had been celebrating a university break caused by Covid-19 with friends who witnessed the horror crash.
William’s family is too distraught for statements and have requested privacy.
“This has been a very difficult and long road for the family, who will never come to terms with what has happened to their beloved son, grandson and twin brother,” said Sergeant Adam Cooper, lead investigator.
“Shah showed no regard for William’s life after leaving him dying in the road. His reckless drink-driving has ruined lives.”
The police sergeant warned: “We hope this case serves as a stern warning to drink-drivers and dangerous drivers everywhere.”
A University of Nottingham spokesperson added: “William was a valued member of our community. This was a tragic waste of a young life. Our thoughts remain with William’s family and friends.”
