Police officer jailed over Wolverhampton death

10 November 2018, 07:17 | Updated: 10 November 2018, 07:21

A police officer has been jailed for causing the death of a popular Wednesfield shopkeeper in December 2016.

Balvinder Singh was taken to hospital following a collision on Cannock Road, Wolverhampton, but died later the same day from his injuries.

The 59-year-old was driving his Mercedes Sprinter van when he was hit head on by a Hyundai, driven by off-duty Staffordshire Police officer Jason Bannister.

Bannister was treated for minor injuries and, following an investigation by West Midlands Police’s serious collision investigation team, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving earlier this year.

The 45-year-old pleaded guilty at a hearing on 21 September and on Friday 9th November sentenced to 18 months imprisonment at Birmingham Crown Court.

He will also be banned from driving for three years and nine months.

Shortly after his death, Mr Singh’s family paid tribute to their loved one, they said: “He was the most loyal and hard-working family man, with three children and six grandchildren who were his everything one of which he never got to meet. He was loved throughout the community."

Bannister is currently suspended from his position at Staffordshire Police pending the outcome of the case.