Killer driver did not have valid licence - police

Oghenevwaire Shittu was driving along Nantwich Road when her car hit Stephen Rae in February, police said

A woman who killed a man as he crossed the road did not have a valid driving licence at the time, police said.

Oghenevwaire Shittu was driving a green BMW on Nantwich Road, Wistaston, near Nantwich, Cheshire, when her car hit Stephen Rae on 9 February.

Shittu, 39, of Ruskin Road, Crewe, had previously pleaded guilty at Chester Crown Court to causing death by dangerous driving.

She had only held a UK provisional licence since 2022 and was also driving without insurance at the time, Cheshire Police said.

She was jailed at the same court on Wednesday for four years and two months.

Mr Rae waiting at a traffic island in the middle of the road which was clearly marked with two fluorescent bollards at the time he was struck, police said.

The BMW was seen on CCTV moving from its position in the road towards the island and detectives said there was no evidence the car's brake lights went on.

Members of the public rushed to Mr Rae’s aid but he died in hospital from his injuries.

Police say Mr Rae was crossing the road and waiting at a central island when he was hit by the car

Shittu was arrested at the scene and passed drug and alcohol tests as well as a roadside fitness examination, the force said.

In an interview with officers, she admitted she was familiar with the road and there were no distractions inside or outside her vehicle at the time of the crash.

Mr Rae was described as a much-loved son and nephew by his family in a statement.

“Despite someone being held accountable for Stephen’s death, no sentence is ever going to bring Stephen back to us,” they said.

As well as her jail sentence, Shittu was also disqualified from driving for five years and told she would have to then take an extended retest.