Driver jailed for killing pedestrian while doing more than three times speed limit

A man has been sentenced for eight years after speeding ‘over three times the posted 30mph speed limit’ and killing a pedestrian in Trafford.

The family of the pedestrian say they feel ‘disappointed’ and ‘let down’ by the shortness of the sentence.

Jonathan Langston, 52, was making his way home after meeting with friends for drinks. He was crossing the road between Morville and Wyverne Road when he was struck by a speeding Golf, on Friday, March 17th 2023.

The speed of the car caused Mr Langston to be thrown 200-300 metres from the point of the collision.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police were called to the scene on Wilbraham Road, Manchester at around 12.30am.

It was established that the driver of a Volkswagen Golf, Mr Adeel Safdar, 28, was travelling down Wilbraham Road towards Stretford before coming to a stop at a set of traffic lights.

Mr Safdar positioned his vehicle in the right lane which was a dedicated right turn.

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

Emergency services rushed to attend but despite their best efforts, Mr Langston suffered fatal injuries during the collision and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

It is understood Mr Safdar initially failed to stop 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, (January 17th) Mr Safdar of Railway Road, Stretford was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and is disqualified from driving for 10 years and four months.

Detective Constable Sarah Seddon, from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision 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.”

In a statement, Mr Langston’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 five years in prison for his horrific actions. 

“As a family we will now try and move on together, living in his memory.”