Reckless driver killed dad-of-four after crashing £105k Audi at 102mph

A man has been jailed for more than 11 years following a fatal collision on the A500 in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Sulejman Zekthi, 34, was sentenced to 11 years and five months behind bars at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Friday, October 31, after he pleaded guilty to killing an 80-year-old man by dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking at the city's crown court.

On May 3, 2023, Zekthi took the high-performance £105,000 silver Audi from his Wolverhampton employer without permission, driving it to Stoke-on-Trent. The next day, he was travelling at 102mph along the A500 southbound slip road at Wolstanton when he collided with a black Vauxhall and a red Nissan. 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. Stephen Penman, 80 and a father-of-four, 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 horrifying collision caused the death of a beloved man who was simply out shopping.

"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 forwards 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.

"The sentencing reflects the seriousness of the offences and the profound harm caused to Stephen and his family. Our thoughts remain with them and all those affected by this tragic event."

In a victim statement, Deborah Hassall said Stephen was her 'dearest partner' and her life has been unrecognisable from how it was before his death. Her daily routine is now a chore and no longer brings laughter, and she had to visit doctors due to stress. While she used to enjoy going to places like the Lake District with Stephen, she now visits the local park.

She added: "Steve did not deserve to be taken too soon before his 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.

Balbir Singh, mitigating, said Zekthi left the scene due to panic and fear, according to the Manchester Evening News. He said the defendant lost his dad five years ago, and his friend was killed, and those matters, together with this, have led to a degree of post-traumatic stress disorder.