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Jail for woman who killed pedestrian after running red light

A woman who ran a red light killing a pedestrian has been jailed for more than two years.

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Birmingham Crown Court

Ruth Pahla failed to stop at a red traffic light on Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, striking a 53-year-old woman at a pedestrian crossing in October 2018.

The victim, whose family have requested she is not named, suffered serious head injuries in the impact of the collision and died in hospital six days later.

Although forensic reconstruction proved the Audi A3 Pahla was driving was travelling under the speed limit, the traffic lights had been on red for at least three seconds prior to her going through them.

Pahla, 25, of Fairhurst Way, in Northampton, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Birmingham Crown Court.

On Thursday, she was jailed for two years and four months. She will also be disqualified from driving for five years and four months on her release.

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from West Midlands Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "A woman tragically lost her life at the hands of Pahla, but I hope the fact that she accepted responsibly and pleaded guilty will provide some comfort to the victim’s family.

“Traffic lights are there for a reason and I hope this case shows the importance of respecting road signs and becoming aware of upcoming traffic signals."

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