A STOURBRIDGE driver who tried to cover his tracks after a fatal collision has been jailed for nine months.

Ambrez Mahmood was caged by a judge at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday May 30 after he admitted perverting the course of justice following the crash in Brierley Hill last year.

The accident, on October 21, left 77-year-old Mary Hill unconscious and suffering serious injuries, she died in Russells Hall hospital nine days later.

Mahmood, aged 21 from Enville Road, left the scene and later told mechanics his BMW's wing mirror needed replacing because a gang of youths had tried to steal the car.

Recorder John Higham QC told Mahmood: "This was a disgraceful attempt on your part to avoid detection.

"You left this woman lying in the road unconscious, you subsequently learned she had died but you took no steps to go to the police."

Forensic evidence later linked the car with the accident but after his arrest Mahmood continued to maintain he knew nothing about the incident.

Bernard Linnemann, prosecuting, told the court Mrs Hill stepped in front of Mahmood's BMW, he later admitted she appeared to hesitate before moving forward.

During the collision the widower suffered significant head injuries and was found in the road by a passing motorist.

Mr Mirza Rashid, defending, said Mrs Hill's death was the result of a "pure accident" and concluded: "He acted out of panic. He has shown sincere remorse for his actions".

The crash happened at the junction of Amblecote Road and Hudswell Drive as Mrs Hill returned to her Amblecote Road home after visiting her friend Anne Bellard.

Speaking after Mrs Hill's death, Anne Bellard said: "Mary was a great companion, she had a zest for life and was very proud to come from Quarry Bank.

"She will be sadly missed by all her friends."