Driver jailed after 102mph crash kills man, 80

Sulejman Zekthi is serving a sentence of 11 years and five months

A dangerous driver who killed an 80-year-old man in a crash after speeding at more than 100mph has been jailed for 11 years and five months.

Sulejman Zekthi, from Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking at the city's crown court.

Police said the 34-year-old had stolen a £105,000 silver Audi from his workplace on 3 May 2023. The day after he was travelling at 102mph on the A500 southbound slip road in Wolstanton, Staffordshire when he collided with two cars - a black Vauxhall, where the victim, Stephen Penman, was a passenger, as well as a red Nissan.

Mr Penman was taken to hospital but died three weeks later.

Zekthi fled the scene, police said, and despite initially denying the offences, enough evidence was gathered which ultimately convinced him to plead guilty in court.

"This horrifying collision caused the death of a beloved man who was simply out shopping," said PC Matthew Brailsford.

"Having stolen a car from his employer, Zekthi then drove at dangerous speeds and caused an entirely avoidable collision.

"It is only thanks to the witnesses who came forward and assisted us that the investigation team were able to put forward a file of evidence that secured this conviction, and for that, I am very grateful, as are Stephen's family, who have waited patiently for justice throughout this very difficult time."

Zekthi was also disqualified from driving for 12 years and three months and ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge at the hearing on Friday.