M40 dangerous driver who fled scene of fatal crash jailed

Traf Almaghrabi was seen driving dangerously and at speeds of up to 146mph before a fatal crash which killed 27-year-old Naweed Hussain. Aylesbury Crown Court heard how the 24-year-old was seen buying alcohol at the Coach and Horses pub in Uxbridge before leaving the pub with three passengers at around 12.40am. He was then spotted driving from Uxbridge on the northbound section of the M40 before approaching junction 2 for Beaconsfield where roadworks meant there was a temporary speed limit of 50mph.

Almaghrabi's vehicle struck the rear of a Volkswagen Golf that was being driven by Mr Hussain who was killed instantly. The 27-year-old had been travelling home after working at a charity football event at the time. His front seat passenger, a man aged in his twenties, also suffered serious injuries including a fractured vertebrae, cracked ribs, bleeding on the lungs and an injured wrist.

He was treated in hospital and is 'slowly recovering' according to Thames Valley Police. Almaghrabi was caught on CCTV footage from the nearby service station leaving the scene and was reported to have walked up the slip road within seconds of the crash. Police found a nitrous oxide canister in the car as well as cannabis and a grinder that were found underneath the Mercedes that was forensically linked to Almaghrabi.

He later handed himself in to Wycombe police station on the evening of Saturday, July 12 and was charged on July 14 with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty at Aylesbury Crown Court on October 30 having previously been bailed and has now been jailed for 10 years. The judge also banned him from driving for 11 years and eight months and he must take an extended re-test before he can regain his licence.

Naweed Hussain (Image: TVP) The court heard how forensic collision examinations of the scene and vehicles found that he was driving between 135 and 146mph. Following the sentencing on Wednesday (February 2), lead investigator Sergeant Ed Crofts of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "This was a truly shocking collision, and the speeds at which Almaghrabi was driving just prior to the collision beggar belief.

"The fact that he then took the cowardly decision to run from the scene shows the complete disregard that he had for the two victims in this case, leaving Naweed for dead and his passenger with extensive serious multiple injuries. "Throughout the course of this investigation, Naweed's family have remained completely dignified and patient while we brought the evidence to court. "No outcome in court can ever lessen the pain and suffering that they have endured since Naweed died, but I hope that this court outcome can allow them some sense of justice.

"Driving at the speeds Almaghrabi was doing had catastrophic effects, and I am satisfied that the courts have recognised the serious consequences of his actions with this prison sentence.

"Speeding is one of the fatal four, and we will always look to take action against those who flout the laws on our roads.

"My thoughts and the thoughts of all of us at Thames Valley Police remain with the family and friends of Naweed, and I hope that they can move on with their lives in the best way possible."

References

1. ^ Student, 21, died in Oxford hospital after car 'crush' (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)