Jail for police chase driver who killed boy of 12 in Bradford

Bilal Khazir was flung more than 50 metres as he tried to cross a main road in Bradford and died instantly from catastrophic injuries.

Zain Khan, 21, who was uninsured, was travelling at more than twice the 40mph speed limit moments before he hit Bilal, Bradford Crown Court heard.

He then hatched a plan with his girlfriend Sara Hughes, who was in the passenger seat, and pretended his Seat high-performance car had been stolen in a bid to avoid being caught.

After today’s hearing, Bilal’s family issued a moving statement.

It read: “We mourn and weep for Bilal every second of every day and would give anything to have him back. He was one in a million; kind, loving, happy, sincere, loyal, genuine, humble, caring, affectionate and most of all religious.

“Bilal had such a beautiful smile that would light up a room and his zest for life for infectious.

“No parent, brother or sister should feel the needless pain and suffering we have endured. For the rest of our lives, we will have family occasions, gatherings and celebrations ruined because Bilal is missing and there is an empty chair.

It is a day to day struggle and these people need to realise how their actions have left this family completely devastated and shattered.”

Det Supt Mark Ridley of West Yorkshire Police said: “Khan’s reckless actions whilst behind the wheel took the life of a young boy, devastating a family, a school and a community.

“It highlights to all the potential tragic consequences of driving in a dangerous manner, anywhere on West Yorkshire’s roads.

“Our thoughts remain with Bilal’s family and I hope today’s sentence provides them with some closure for what must have been the an extremely emotional and difficult period.”