THE devastated family of a man who died after a hit and run in Glasgow has revealed they are "saddened" by the punishment handed to his killer.

We previously reported that learner driver Ali Zafar struck Derek Blackshaw, 46, at a Morrisons car park in Cardonald on October 1, 2021 - when he was aged 17.

Now 19, Zafar was sentenced to four years in jail at the High Court in Edinburgh today. 

Judge John McCormick told him he would have faced a six-year jail term, but it would be reduced to take account of his guilty plea.

The judge banned Zafar from driving for eight years and ordered that he must pass an extended test before holding a driving licence in future.

A statement from Mr Blackshaw's family, released through lawyers Digby Brown, said: “While no sentence could ever reflect the loss of Derek or our pain, we still feel saddened by the final outcome and the relatively short length of time that driver will likely spend behind bars.

“Derek was wholesome, honourable and adored and the loss of such a man is felt by more than his family and friends – it is also felt by the wider community which is enhanced through his work, time and desire to help others.

“Any bereaved family who has endured the criminal justice system will tell you there is no such thing as closure – there is only an end to paperwork and proceedings.

“So our only comfort is the knowledge that this painful process has stopped and we can now move forward with the same dignity and strength as Derek would have done.”

Glasgow Times: In court on Friday, the judge said no sentence would reflect the loss or grief suffered by Mr Blackshaw's family.

He told Zafar that a custodial sentence was required and added: "It is necessary to punish you, to seek to deter you and others from driving in such a dangerous manner and, of course, to protect the public."

The judge pointed out that the aggravating features included Zafar, of Calfhill Road, driving at speed in the car park and failing to stop and alert the authorities after the collision.

He held a provisional licence at the time and was travelling at an average speed of 32 mp.

Mr Blackshaw had attended the funeral of a family friend earlier in the day and after visiting a snooker club was taking a shortcut home when he was struck and killed.

Zafar said to a passenger in the car that he had "just hit a guy" before driving away from the scene.  

The court previously heard that the teenager had asked if he could borrow a colleague's car keys to listen to music in the vehicle. Muneed Naeem agreed on the condition that he did not move the car.

But Zafar drove along Paisley Road West before turning into the car park.

After the incident, he drove back to a takeaway and told the owner of the car what had occurred. He also told them not to contact the emergency services.

Mr Naeem thought it was a joke at first until he saw damage to the vehicle. He contacted 999 before going to the scene and attempting CPR on the victim.

Defence counsel Duncan McPhie said first offender Zafar was remorseful and wished to apologise to the bereaved family.

He lodged a letter with the court from the mosque Zafar attended and said the teenager did charity work.