Dangerous Driver Jailed After Baby Killed In West Mids Crash

17 August 2018, 16:27 | Updated: 17 August 2018, 16:30

A dangerous driver who killed a baby in the West Midlands by crashing into a family car at twice the speed limit has been jailed for more than three years.

Reuben Johnson admitted causing the death of four-month-old Malia Porter by dangerous driving in the crash on August 19 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

Malia had been travelling with her family in a Ford Focus from Shrewsbury to Birmingham and had been moved to her mother's lap after she became upset - with her mother using a three-point seat belt to secure them both.

Driving along the A34 Birmingham Road towards Walsall, which has a speed limit of 30mph, 29-year-old Johnson was travelling at 60mph in his BMW 118d before he struck the family car head-on as he veered across the single carriageway.

The emergency services were called to the scene but Malia died from her injuries.

At Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday, Johnson was jailed for 38 months after pleading guilty to causing Malia's death at a previous hearing.

David Parsons, from the CPS, said: "Reuben Johnson was travelling at twice the speed limit set on that stretch of road, resulting in him losing control of his car and colliding head-on with another vehicle.

"Prior to the collision, Malia Porter had been removed from her car seat and placed on her mother's lap secured by the three-point seat belt which provided no protection for her when the two cars collided.

"We hope that this prosecution not only reminds all motorists to obey the speed limits which have been set for your safety, but also for drivers to ensure that your passengers are secured in your vehicles at all times in the appropriate seats."

He added: "Our thoughts are today with the family of Malia."