Driver guilty of causing death by dangerous driving

16/10/2006

A jury at Derby Crown Court has today found Ahsan Mushtaq guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

Lisa Smedley died when she was struck by a car driven by Mushtaq on Warwick Avenue, Derby on 16 September 2005.  A second man, Kamran Akram, was acquitted of acting with intent to pervert the course of justice.

Anna Zimand, Head of the Trials Unit at Derbyshire Crown Prosecution Service said: "This is the second case weve prosecuted in a week in which a local family has been ripped apart by the reckless driving of one individual. 

"We worked closely with the police from very early on in the investigation, advising them on the evidence necessary to secure the best possible chance of a successful conviction.  After considering all available evidence we made the decision to charge Mushtaq with causing Lisa's death by dangerous driving.

"Much of our prosecution case rested on eye witness statements which confirmed that at the time of the collision Mushtaq was travelling well in excess of the legal speed limit.  Driving at such excessive speed on a dual carriageway, in a residential area, was extremely irresponsible and shows a complete disregard for the safety of others.  Lisa's death was more than just a terrible accident; it was a tragedy waiting to happen. 

"Mushtaq had tried to avoid the consequences of his driving by abandoning his car and getting away from the scene, thus preventing the police from making an early arrest.

"Throughout the course of this prosecution we have seen first hand the devastation caused to Lisa's family.  In spite of today's outcome we recognise that it changes nothing for them, including her daughter, who now has to grow up without her mother.  However we hope that they can take some small comfort from knowing that justice has now been done."