M40 crash: man jailed for nine years after passenger died

Muhammad Ali Chaudhry, 25, of Radnor Close, Mitcham, was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court yesterday, August 18. H had pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving at a hearing at the same court on April 30 this year. Shortly before midday on May 22, 2023 Chaudhry, who was driving a Volkswagen Golf, collided with a Ford Transit Tipper on the westbound carriageway of the M40 between Junction 2 and 3, Loudwater and Beaconsfield.

The court heard how Chaudhry was travelling at approximately 143mph when he lost control of his car and collided with the Transit, causing his car to leave the motorway. One of his passengers, Alisha Saeed, aged 23, sadly died at the scene. A second passenger, a woman in her 20s, sustained serious injuries.

Chaudhry was arrested on the day of the collision, and following an investigation, he was charged on 22 January this year. As well as serving time in prison, he will also be disqualified from driving for six years on his release, with an extended driving test required. Investigating officer Detective Constable Katy Cleasby said: "Our thoughts remain with Alisha Saeed's family, friends and loved ones today, as well as the woman who was seriously injured as a result of Chaudhry's reckless driving.

"I know that no sentence passed will make amends for the tragic loss of Alisha, who has been described by her family as a kind-hearted angel who brought joy and happiness to everyone she met. "I would like to thank the Alisha's family for their support throughout our investigation, which I know has been a very difficult time for them. I must also extend my thanks to all the witnesses who came forward with information to assist our enquiries, each of them had to witness something extremely traumatic and we are grateful to everyone who got in touch.

"Chaudhry showed no regard for other road users or his passengers as he drove at extremely high speeds down a busy motorway in the middle of the day.

"We will continue to robustly investigate the causes of fatal road traffic collisions as we work towards reducing the number of collisions and casualties on our roads, while bringing those responsible for death and serious injury to justice."

References

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