A GRIEVING mother has found it in her heart to forgive the speeding Bradford driver who knocked down and killed her son.

Deya Sevilla, who travelled to the city from the United States for the case at Bradford Crown Court today, spoke movingly to the family of Zafraan Hussain, who was said to be “a thoroughly broken man,” following the fatal collision.

Hussain, 37, of Lingwood Road, Girlington, was doing 44mph in a 30 zone on Queens Road, Manningham, Bradford, just before he failed to see Marco Sevilla walking across the road at 11.15pm on November 11, 2017.

Mr Sevilla, 38, was struck by Hussain’s Vauxhall Vectra, thrown on to the bonnet and windscreen and flung into the air.

He sustained an unsurvivable brain injury and the decision was taken, in conjunction with his family, to turn off his life support machine four days later.

Hussain, a self-employed barber, pleaded guilty to causing Mr Sevilla’s death by careless driving.

He was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years, by Judge David Hatton QC who stated: “This is a truly tragic state of affairs all round.”

Hussain must also do 240 hours of unpaid work and he was banned from driving for 12 months.

Prosecutor Jonathan Sharp said Mr Sevilla had been drinking and was one and three quarter times the legal alcohol limit for driving. But although inebriated, he waited at the roadside for a gap in the traffic before beginning to cross.

There is a clear line of sight of at least one hundred metres in both directions, the court heard. Mr Sevilla was wearing light-coloured clothing and it was a fine, clear night.

Mr Sharp said that Hussain was travelling at “excessive speed”.

“Had the defendant been obeying the speed limit, Mr Sevilla would have been able to cross the road with time to spare,” he stated.

Hussain did a U-turn and immediately returned to the scene of the collision. He told the police he was tired that night and had wanted to get home. He admitted that he was speeding and said he saw nothing before the impact.

“His immediate impression was that he had been hit by a brick,” Mr Sharp said.

A victim personal statement from Mr Sevilla’s mother said her close-knit family had always been available for one another, through joy and sorrow.

“Throughout the time Marco lived in the UK, he supported me financially and always ensured that all my needs were met,” she said. “He was a very kind and considerate person and always did his best to help others.”

Mrs Sevilla spoke of the “profound emotional pain” she had suffered since her son’s death. “My sleep, appetite and emotional stability have all been affected.”

She added: “Nothing can bring my son back to us and what is required in this situation is closure for all sides.”

Hussain’s barrister, Andrew Dallas, said: “This is a dreadful tragedy and not one intended by anybody, least of all the defendant.”

Hussain, of previous good character, was tortured by extreme remorse.

“He is a thoroughly broken man,” Mr Dallas said.

Hussain told his probation officer he was “always crying inside me.”

Mr Dallas said Hussain may have slowed to 34mph to 42mph just before he collided with Mr Sevilla.

“There is a real question mark as to how much over the speed limit it was,” he said.

Hussain had an exemplary driving record and his car was legal and well maintained.

Judge Hatton said: “This case, like all such cases, is a very tragic one. The life of a much-loved and much-needed young man has been taken away and you, Zafraan Hussain, find yourself in a court of law for the first time in your life.”

The effect of his “seconds of inattention” continued to have a devastating effect on Hussain, whose mental stability had been “hugely compromised.”

A large number of letters handed to the judge spoke of his integrity, industry and what he did for others.

“Speed can kill and this is a chastening example,” the judge said.

After the case, Mrs Sevilla mingled with members of Hussain’s family outside to the courtroom. She confirmed that he had asked her forgiveness and she had granted it.