A speeding driver who killed a woman after smashing into the back of her vehicle on the M42 near Solihull has been jailed for nine years.

Mohammed Asif had pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court last Thursday (13 June).

The 47-year-old, from Coventry, was also disqualified from driving for four years which will start upon release from prison and he will also have to pass an extended test.

Asif was speeding in excess of 100mph when his Audi Q7 vehicle smashed into the back of a Skoda Rapid on the northbound carriageway as it was about to exit junction 6 on 3 September 2022, shortly before 3am.

Marzena Kaczorowska, aged 53, a front seat passenger in the Skoda, was rushed to hospital for treatment but died two weeks later due to severe injuries to her head and chest. Her partner, who was driving the car, was also taken to hospital with injuries but survived the collision. Asif was also taken to hospital with injuries and made a full recovery.

Marzena's heartbroken partner Najmul Wlodzimierz said: "Marzena was my life partner for over 21 years and she was wonderful. On the day of the collision I was taking Marzena to Birmingham Airport so she could go and see her family in Poland. This was extremely exciting for her as she had not seen them in a year.

"This was a journey that changed my life forever. Out of nowhere we were struck by a speeding car.

"I have had to learn to live life without Marzena. I am not used to this yet as we were together for so long. I wake up alone, I go to work alone, I come home alone and spend the evening alone.

"I have lost the person I used to travel the world with and all I have now is memories. I am totally lost without her and the loneliness is crippling. I am just existing without her."

Sergeant Julie Lyman, from our serious collision investigation unit, said: "Asif showed a total disregard for the safety of other road users. The speed he was travelling at on the day was totally mindless and irresponsible. His actions have devastated the family of the deceased lady including her partner who was driving the car at the time of the collision. I just hope the sentencing provides some comfort as they begin to try and rebuild their shattered lives."