Biker without licence or insurance killed boy, 8, on pedestrian crossing

A biker who mowed down and killed an eight-year-old boy on a pedestrian crossing has pleaded guilty. Unlicensed and uninsured Nicholas Hopkins, 20, ploughed into little Mustafa Ahmed as he crossed the road with his dad and 10-year-old brother. All three were injured and needed hospital treatment, but Mustafa died following the crash on Plumstead Road in London on February 19.

Following the collision his dad was put in an induced coma and needed surgery, while his brother suffered a ruptured liver. The family had been on their way to evening prayers at the time of the crash, which happened outside the Greenwich Islamic Centre. Paying tribute at the time, family friend and local councillor Asli Mohammed said: “Mustafa was a happy, caring, compassionate young boy.

He loved making everybody in the room laugh. “His favourite thing was playing on the trampoline in his garden and he loved football too. He was an outdoor child, he loved his outdoor play time.”

Hopkins pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Inner London Crown Court. Detective Sergeant Sam Miles, from the Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “Our thoughts remain with Mustafa’s family, who continue to struggle with the events of that day, as well as the officers and paramedics who were first on scene. This is truly a tragic case, caused by the defendant’s reckless and dangerous driving.

Mustafa was only eight years old and had the rest of his life ahead of him.” Officers were called at around 7.30pm on Sunday, February 19, to reports of a motorcycle in collision with three pedestrians on a pedestrian crossing on Plumstead Road, near the junction with Lenton Street, SE18. Police, London Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance all attended the scene.

Mustafa’s dad and brother have since been discharged from hospital, but are still suffering with the long-term effects of their injuries

Hopkins, of Burrage Grove, Plumstead admitted causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving unlicensed, causing death while uninsured, two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and possession of Class B drugs.

Hopkins was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at the same court on January 26, 2024.