NEEL BALU FROM WALSALL SENTENCED FOR FATAL COLLISION ON BIRMINGHAM ROAD
| Red Rose Database
Walsall Sexual Abuser
In May 2017, a tragic incident occurred on Birmingham Road involving a Walsall-based van driver, Neel Balu, who was ultimately convicted of causing death by dangerous driving. The incident resulted in the death of a young girl, Zoe Shapiro, aged 17, and has left a lasting impact on her family and the local community.
Neel Balu, aged 43, was operating a Mercedes Sprinter van at the time of the collision. The accident took place as Zoe Shapiro was crossing Birmingham Road at a pedestrian crossing on her way to school. The collision happened in February 2016, during the morning hours when Zoe was just a few steps away from reaching the safety of the central reservation. Despite her efforts to cross safely, she was struck by the vehicle, which was traveling towards Birmingham.
Paramedics responded swiftly to the scene, and Zoe was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Unfortunately, her injuries were severe, and she succumbed to them shortly after arriving. The loss of Zoe has devastated her family, who have since paid heartfelt tribute to her memory. Her mother, Joanne Corbett, expressed her grief and admiration for her daughter, describing Zoe as an exceptional young woman who was intelligent, funny, and brought light into the lives of those around her. She recounted Zoe’s close bond with her family, especially highlighting her role as a supportive sister to her brothers, Maximus and TJ. Joanne shared the pain of losing her son Maximus, who was born severely disabled and passed away at the age of four, emphasizing how Zoe had become her best friend and pillar of strength after Max’s death.
Joanne Corbett’s tribute detailed the profound impact Zoe had on her life, describing her as her inspiration and the light of her family. She recounted the heartbreak of dressing her daughter’s grave instead of shopping for her birthday or buying her first car, which she had planned to do. The memories of Zoe’s laughter, her favorite music, and her playful interactions with her brother TJ continue to haunt her, illustrating the deep void left by her loss.
During the court proceedings at Birmingham Crown Court, it was revealed that Balu, who was arrested at the scene, had been driving at excessive speed and had run a red light prior to hitting Zoe. Balu claimed that he was distracted at the time, attempting to wipe ice from his window and being dazzled by the sun, which he argued contributed to the accident. However, the jury found him guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, and on Thursday, he was sentenced to seven years in prison. Additionally, Balu was disqualified from driving for nine and a half years and will be required to pass an extended retest before he can legally drive again. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the offense and the tragic consequences of reckless driving on Birmingham Road, a route familiar to many residents of Walsall and the surrounding areas.
Neel Balu, aged 43, was operating a Mercedes Sprinter van at the time of the collision. The accident took place as Zoe Shapiro was crossing Birmingham Road at a pedestrian crossing on her way to school. The collision happened in February 2016, during the morning hours when Zoe was just a few steps away from reaching the safety of the central reservation. Despite her efforts to cross safely, she was struck by the vehicle, which was traveling towards Birmingham.
Paramedics responded swiftly to the scene, and Zoe was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Unfortunately, her injuries were severe, and she succumbed to them shortly after arriving. The loss of Zoe has devastated her family, who have since paid heartfelt tribute to her memory. Her mother, Joanne Corbett, expressed her grief and admiration for her daughter, describing Zoe as an exceptional young woman who was intelligent, funny, and brought light into the lives of those around her. She recounted Zoe’s close bond with her family, especially highlighting her role as a supportive sister to her brothers, Maximus and TJ. Joanne shared the pain of losing her son Maximus, who was born severely disabled and passed away at the age of four, emphasizing how Zoe had become her best friend and pillar of strength after Max’s death.
Joanne Corbett’s tribute detailed the profound impact Zoe had on her life, describing her as her inspiration and the light of her family. She recounted the heartbreak of dressing her daughter’s grave instead of shopping for her birthday or buying her first car, which she had planned to do. The memories of Zoe’s laughter, her favorite music, and her playful interactions with her brother TJ continue to haunt her, illustrating the deep void left by her loss.
During the court proceedings at Birmingham Crown Court, it was revealed that Balu, who was arrested at the scene, had been driving at excessive speed and had run a red light prior to hitting Zoe. Balu claimed that he was distracted at the time, attempting to wipe ice from his window and being dazzled by the sun, which he argued contributed to the accident. However, the jury found him guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, and on Thursday, he was sentenced to seven years in prison. Additionally, Balu was disqualified from driving for nine and a half years and will be required to pass an extended retest before he can legally drive again. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the offense and the tragic consequences of reckless driving on Birmingham Road, a route familiar to many residents of Walsall and the surrounding areas.