A man has been jailed after seriously injuring two pedestrians in Northfield, in a case that has renewed concerns about both rising dangerous driving and what some see as lenient sentencing.

Jason Walker was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court after a man and a woman, both in their 60s, were struck by a black Mercedes near the junction of Frankley Beeches Road and Sir Herbert Austin Way shortly before 1pm on 16 December 2024.

Both victims suffered serious injuries.

An investigation by West Midlands Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit found Walker had been driving between 49mph and 56mph moments before the collision, almost double the 30mph speed limit.

The 54-year-old, of Ambleside in Bartley Green, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was jailed on Tuesday for two years and eight months.

However, questions are likely to be raised about the length of the sentence, given the severity of the injuries caused. For the victims, recovery may take months or years, with potential lifelong physical complications alongside significant psychological trauma.

The case also comes amid growing concern locally about an apparent rise in dangerous driving incidents across Birmingham.

It follows a recent case in Shirley, where a driver who seriously injured a victim in a hit-and-run was jailed for three years. During sentencing, the judge stated the offender should serve the full term – yet he was released after just six months.

Against that backdrop, a prison term of two years and eight months is unlikely to reassure many residents, particularly given that time actually served is often significantly shorter.

Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Walker showed complete disregard for the safety of others.

“His actions demonstrated a shocking lack of care and responsibility.

“This case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of dangerous driving. One reckless decision behind the wheel can destroy lives forever.”