Shanise Hussain, 27, has been sentenced to four years and six months in prison for causing death by dangerous driving after losing control of her Audi A3 on Great Hampton Street in Birmingham on July 21, 2024. The vehicle struck two pedestrians, resulting in the death of 68-year-old Maurice Middleton and minor injuries to a second passerby. Damage was also sustained by a parked vehicle.
Hussain was driving at 48 mph in a 30 mph zone when she attempted to swerve around another vehicle. This maneuver caused her to accelerate onto the wrong side of the road, where she collided with a central reservation and then the pedestrians. She remained at the scene and cooperated with West Midlands Police.
Following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, Hussain was found guilty of the offense. In addition to her prison sentence, she has been disqualified from driving for eight years and three months. Hussain's family has described Mr. Middleton as "the glue that held us all together" and stated his death has left a significant void.
Detective Sergeant Richard Evans of West Midlands Police emphasized the responsibility of all road users, noting that "decisions made in a moment can have life-changing consequences for many people."