A man has been jailed for four years after mowing down a 79-year-old grandfather during a police chase in Moss Side.
Khalyl Mattis was fleeing from the cops when his VW Golf struck pensioner Fuad Ghalib at around 6:15pm on Sunday, October 1.
Despite leaving his victim with life-changing injuries, Mattis fled from the scene and left the man for dead on Caythorpe Street.
Mattis, of Lynton Drive, Burnage, has now been branded a ‘cowardly individual’ by police after being sentenced to four years behind bars and given a five-year driving ban.
Police Sergeant Lee Westhead of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Mattis showed no remorse as he tried every dishonest trick in the book in an attempt to avoid the consequences of his abhorrent behaviour.
“He woefully underestimated the investigation that ultimately uncovered his lies and proved that he was the person responsible for Mr Ghalib’s horrendous injuries.
“Mattis is a cowardly individual who was clearly terrified of us catching up with him and I hope today’s sentence sends the clear message to those driving dangerously on our streets.
“My team and others like them will relentlessly investigate dangerous drivers in the pursuit of justice.”
Mr Ghalib was out buying food for a family party when he was struck by the vehicle last year.
Police – who were in hot pursuit of Mattis at the time – were flagged down by a member of the public who alerted them to the injured pensioner.
First aid was administered before Mr Ghalib was taken to hospital.
The man’s family issued pleas for Mattis to come forward, which police have praised as evidence of their bravery and compassion during such a difficult time.
Sergeant Westhead said: “Finally, and most importantly, I would like to pay tribute to Mr Ghalib and his family who have had their lives turned upside down by the events of that day.
“Their bravery, patience and compassion have been remarkable. I hope they can now put this part of the ordeal behind them and focus on their lives as a family.”
