Reckless driver killed dad-of-four after crashing £105k Audi at 102mph | UK | News
A man has been jailed for more than 11 years following a fatal crash on the A500 in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Suleiman Zekthi, 34, was sentenced to 11 years and five months in prison at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Friday (October 31) after pleading guilty to murdering an 80-year-old man by dangerous driving and aggravated driving at the city’s royal palace.
On 3 May 2023, Zekthi took the £105,000 silver high-performance Audi from his employer in Wolverhampton without permission and drove it to Stoke-on-Trent. The following day, at Wolstanton, the A500 was traveling at 102mph on the southbound slip road when it collided with a black Vauxhall and a red Nissan. Police said Zekthi fled the scene and although he initially denied the crimes, enough evidence was eventually gathered to persuade him to plead guilty in court. Dad-of-four Stephen Penman, 80, was a passenger in the Vauxhall, was taken to hospital and died three weeks later.
PC Matthew Brailsford, of the collision investigation unit, said: “This horrific collision led to the death of a beloved man who was out shopping.
“Zekthi, who stole a car from his employer, then drove at dangerous speeds, causing a completely avoidable collision.
“It was only thanks to the witnesses who came forward and helped us that the investigation team was able to produce a dossier of evidence that led to this conviction and for this I am enormously grateful, as are Stephen’s family who have patiently waited for justice at this very difficult time.
“The verdict reflects the seriousness of the offenses and the profound harm caused to Stephen and his family. Our thoughts are with them and everyone affected by this tragic incident.”
In a victim statement, Deborah Hassall said Stephen was her ‘closest partner’ and her life was unrecognizable from what it was before his death. Her daily routine has now become a chore and no longer brings laughter and she has had to visit doctors due to stress. While she and Stephen enjoy going to places like the Lake District, she now visits the local park.
He added: “Steve did not deserve to be kidnapped before his time.”
Zekthi was also banned from driving for 12 years and three months and ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge at Friday’s hearing.
Balbir Singh, mitigating, said Zekthi left the scene due to panic and fear, according to Manchester Evening News. He said that the defendant lost his father five years ago and his friend was killed, and that these events led to a degree of post-traumatic stress disorder.
