Man admits killing boy but denies dangerous driving

A man accused of killing a two-year-old boy in a car crash in Smethwick has said his driving was careless but not dangerous.

Sharjeel Shahzad, 30, of Cooksey Lane, Great Barr, is accused of causing death by dangerous driving after the hit-and-run collision involving a Porsche Cayenne, which was fitted with false number plates, on 14 December.

Mr Shahzad admitted causing the death of toddler Shehbaz Singh by careless driving but denied causing death by dangerous driving.

Judge Michael Chambers KC adjourned the case and told Mr Shahzad he would face a trial in July at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Shehbaz, a passenger in a Toyota Auris, died after he and four adults were taken to hospital after the two-car, head-on collision on Dartmouth Road.

Mr Shahzad also admitted two charges of causing serious injury by careless driving but again denied that his driving had been dangerous.

Adjourning the case for trial on the charges of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving, the judge told him: "Your case is adjourned for trial, currently listed to be 7 July.

"We will try to bring it forward if we can.

"You have a right to give evidence at your trial. In the meantime, you are remanded in custody in relation to all matters."

During Wednesday's hearing, Mr Shahzad further admitted two counts of using a motor vehicle without third-party insurance and one charge of driving other than in accordance with a licence.

He also pleaded guilty to driving an Audi A4 dangerously on Ashby Road, Loughborough, as well as on the A446, A512, A42, M42 and the M6 on 10 June last year.

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