Van driver jailed after killing London student
Van Driver Jailed After Killing London Student
A 27-year-old man from Southampton has been sentenced to eight years in prison following a van crash that led to the death of a 20-year-old student near King’s College London’s campus. Christopher Jackson admitted to causing Aalia Mahomed’s fatal accident through dangerous driving on 18 March last year.
Incident Details
The Old Bailey was informed that Ms Mahomed, a second-year physics and philosophy student, was seated on a bench close to the Strand campus when the van struck the gates. Jackson had been tasked with collecting the vehicle from Bush House in Aldwych but had no prior experience driving electric models.
The van collided with the gates, soared over a flower bed, and briefly left the ground before hitting Ms Mahomed. The crash concluded near the wall of St Mary-Le-Strand church, with the event lasting approximately six seconds. Forensic analysis confirmed the vehicle had no mechanical faults, with unintended acceleration attributed to Jackson’s panic.
Testimony and Sentencing
Judge Philip Katz KC highlighted Jackson’s lack of experience, noting that “any careful driver would ensure safety before setting off.” He emphasized the driver’s mistake, stating, “You were pressing or pumping the accelerator, believing it to be the brake.”
“When you lose a child, you don’t just lose a presence in your life—you lose a part of yourself. Our beautiful Aalia had her whole life ahead of her, cut short at 20 with no warning and no goodbyes… the loss on the wider family is also immense,” said Samira Shafi, Aalia’s mother.
During the trial, Jessica Clarke, the defense lawyer, argued the incident was a “tragic accident” without factors like excessive speed, alcohol, or drugs. However, the judge contested this, stressing the driver’s negligence. Jackson had offered no explanation during his police interview, though the judge acknowledged his “immediate and genuine remorse.”
Additional Charges
Jackson also received three-year sentences for two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, which will be served concurrently. He will spend two-thirds of his time in custody before release on licence and must pass a retest to resume driving.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the van’s mechanical condition was not the cause, citing Jackson’s panic as a primary factor in the crash. This breaking news story is being updated, with more details to follow. For real-time updates, download the Sky News app, follow on WhatsApp, or subscribe to our YouTube channel.
