Arabic version: سائق يُحكم عليه بالسجن بسبب حادث مميت أدى إلى وفاة طالبة

A van driver has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the death of Aalia Mahomed, a 20-year-old student, after a tragic accident in central London. The incident occurred on March 18, 2025, when Christopher Jackson drove his van into a metal gate, subsequently hitting Aalia while she was seated on a bench, resulting in her instant death. Jackson also seriously injured two others in the process.

According to BBC News, the Old Bailey court heard that Jackson, 27, pleaded guilty in February to charges of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The court was informed that on the morning of the incident, he had been instructed by his employer to pick up a Ford Transit van from Bush House, Aldwych.

During the hearing, Aalia’s mother, Samira Shafi, delivered a poignant victim impact statement, expressing the profound loss of her daughter and the void left in their lives. She described Aalia as her “most amazing daughter” and lamented the loss of their shared experiences and future celebrations. Referring to Jackson, she said: “This man brought her bright future to an end. Instead of celebrating her graduation I’m choosing words for her gravestone.”

Judge Philip Katz KC sentenced Jackson to eight years for the fatal incident, with an additional three years for each of the serious injuries caused, to be served concurrently. He will serve two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for release on license. The Metropolitan Police have acknowledged the extraordinary strength of Aalia’s family throughout this ordeal.