Man sentenced to eight years in jail after a fatal road traffic collision in Trafford

On Friday 17 March 2023 at around 12.30am, officers were called to a serious road traffic collision between a car and a pedestrian on Wilbraham Road, Manchester.

It was established that the driver of a Volkswagen Golf was travelling down Wilbraham Road towards Stretford before coming to stop at a set of traffic lights.

The driver – a man in his 20s – positioned his vehicle in the right lane which was a dedicated right turn.

As the lights changed to green the VW Golf accelerated past a vehicle in the left lane continuing down Wilbraham Road at speeds of over three times the posted 30mph speed limit.

The pedestrian, now confirmed as 52-year-old Jonathan Langston, was crossing the road between Morville and Wyverne Road was hit by the Golf, causing Mr Langston to be thrown 200-300 metres from the point of the collision due to the excessive speed the offending vehicle was travelling at.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, sadly Jonathan was pronounced dead at the scene because of the injuries he sustained during the collision.

The driver of the Golf initially failed to stop at the scene but returned a short time later identifying himself as the driver to officers, he was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Today (Wednesday 17 January 2024), Adeel Safdar (20/09/1995) of Railway Road, Stretford was sentenced to 8 years in prison after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

Safdar was also disqualified from driving for 10 years and 4 months.

Jonathan’s family said: “Whilst the day itself has provided some closure to our family, we can’t help but feel disappointed and let down by the shortness of the sentence. Although it is true that no time spent would be long enough, it was shocking to hear that the driver would only spend just over 5 years in prison for his horrific actions. As a Family we will now try and move on together, living in his memory.”

Detective Constable Sarah Seddon from GMP’s Serious Collison Investigation Unit said: “Firstly I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jonathan Langston. Not only did Adeel overtake another vehicle in a lane that was supposed to be a right hand only turn, he continued to increase his speed following this manoeuvre, reaching over three times the posted speed limit and subsequently colliding with Mr Langston, who was on his way home after having some drinks with friends earlier in the evening. Hopefully this sentence can form as some sort of closure to the victim’s family and Safdar can reflect on his actions.”