Drunk driver jailed for killing taxi driver Abdul Syed in central Auckland crash.
A drunk driver who sped through central Auckland and ran red lights has been jailed after he slammed into a taxi, killing the young father inside.
Farshad Bahadori Esfehaniappeared in the High Court at Auckland today to be sentenced over the December 2017 crash.
Justice Mark Woolford jailed Esfehanifor three years and eight months, disqualified from driving for four years and ordered to pay $12,000 to his victim's family for damage to the car.
Esfehani had earlier pleaded guilty to driving with excess breath alcohol causing death, dangerous driving causing death, and failure to stop and ascertain injury.
The 22-year-old was due to stand trial last month before changing his pleas just a few days prior.
He was supported in court today by several friends and family.
Abdul Raheem Fahad Syed, 29, a Discount Taxis driver and new father, was killed in the early morning crash on Symonds St in central Auckland when Esfehani's black Mercedes-Benz slammed into his Toyota Prius.
Taxi driver Abdul Raheem Fahad Syed was killed in the central Auckland crash. Photo / Supplied
Syed's family was also in court today, including his widow Nishat Abediand young son Syed Abdul Raheem.
A statement from his father was read to the court.
"It is very painful for me and my family, it's a sad demise of our loved son ... a loving husband and caring father of a 5-month-old at the time of the accident," it read.
"I go to my son's grave every single day ... I ask Allah to give my son back if possible."
Syed's father said he could not find the words to describe "how painful it is for a father to bury his own son".
"My innocent son lost his life."
Further hurt for Syed's family, his father said, was inflicted when Esfehani fled the crash scene "without bothering to take him to a nearby hospital".
"It was his duty to stay by my son," Syed's father said.
He would not forgive the drunk driver for his grave mistake, the statement read.
The court heard Esfehani was driving erratically and went through three red lights after fleeing police from a car park building.
He was speeding at an average of 87km/h and at the time of impact was driving at 61-74km/h, the court heard.
Esfehani's lawyer Mark Ryan, however, said there were some discrepancies with the Crown's assessment of his client's speed and said it was significantly lower prior to the crash.
The scene of the crash on Symonds St in December 2017. Photo / Jason Oxenham
The force of the impact from the crash shunted Syed's car 10m sideways.
But before fleeing, Esfehani told members of the public not to call the police and made a comment about insurance, the court heard.
"Don't call the cops, call me a taxi … I hope that guy has insurance," he said.
Esfehani and his passenger were only found with the help of members of the public, police and the Eagle helicopter. Police dog units were also called to the scene.
Court documents, viewed by the Herald, show Esfehani blew more than three times over the legal limit.
Farshad Esfehani, pictured during an earlier High Court appearance. Photo / Sam Hurley
Syed's wife Abedi, later told the Herald her life was shattered when she learned of her husband's death.
"For me, everything is numb," she said.
"I was completely, completely numb. I was in shock."
She recalled Syed leaving their home about midnight for what would be the last time.
He placed his hand on their sleeping son's head because he feared the youngster might be getting sick and told his wife, "just take care of him", she said.
At about 7.30am she received the dreaded phone call.
