Middlesbrough taxi driver killed by drunken Mercedes driver

James Hobson wracked up a £120 bar bill before getting involved in a high-speed police chase through Middlesbrough.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Malik Ameer Abbas died after suffering catastrophic injuries when Hobson smashed into his taxi head-on.

Read more: 'Blind drunk' driver downed TEN pints before killing taxi driver in fatal crash

Hobson was jailed for seven years and four months after admitting causing death by dangerous driving following the fatal crash on March 29 last year.

Malik Ameer Abbas

Speaking after the sentencing hearing, the family of Mr Abbas said: “Malik is from Pakistan and his family - Mam, Dad, brother and sister are still living in Pakistan. He moved to the UK in 2013 to support his family in Pakistan.

“Malik’s mother has arthritis and his father has a heart condition, his brother has severe disabilities and is unable to speak or hear, so Malik would send money to Pakistan as their only form of support. They are unable to work and support themselves now that he has passed.

“Malik was arranging for his younger sister to come to the UK for her studies. He had always looked after everyone.

“He had many plans and goals to achieve and was a very hardworking, honest person. No-one and nothing can fill the gap which he has left in our hearts and our family owing to his tragic death. Malik was brought back to Pakistan to be with his family.

“As a family our hearts have been broken and we will never get over this.”

The court heard how Hobson downed at least ten pints and eight shots of tequila before 'stumbling' through the pub car park and getting behind the wheel of his car while 'blind drunk'.

James Hobson (Image: Cleveland Police)

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Carr, said: “Malik Ameer Abbas was tragically killed as a result of James Hobson’s dangerous driving. Hobson had been speeding and his vehicle was on the wrong side of the road when he hit Mr Abbas’ vehicle head on.

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“We hope that today’s sentence brings some form of comfort to Mr Abbas’ family, who have deeply felt his loss. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“James Hobson will now spend a significant time behind bars, having suffered serious injury himself as a result of the collision he is very lucky that he too did not lose his life.

"Unfortunately Mr Abbas’ family now have to live without their loved one for the rest of their lives as a result of Hobson’s actions.”

Hobson, who spent a month in a coma following the fatal crash, was banned from driving for 11 years and eight months.