Taxi driver guilty of causing death by dangerous driving

15/10/2009

Today at Stoke on Trent Crown Court Mohammed Qaddier was convicted of causing the death of Katie Bennett by death by dangerous driving. Robert Price, Senior Crown Advocate for CPS Staffordshire, who has prosecuted the trial said:

"We have been involved with this case from the outset and it was clear that this prosecution would present us with significant challenges. The legal issues presented in this case were complex and this verdict is a result of the professionalism of the police investigation, and the expertise of the legal team involved.

I am satisfied that the verdict was a just one, and that it fairly reflected the evidence that has been presented to the jury.

I believe there were two key issues for Katies family in respect to this prosecution. The first was to have a clear understanding of the events that took place on the evening. The second was an acknowledgment that Mr Qaddier had a responsibility for Katy as a passenger in his vehicle, and that his wilful neglect of that duty caused her death. This verdict has achieved those aims.

Our sympathies remain with Katies parents, Lesley and Phil, their partners, and the entire family. We hope that todays outcome means that she can finally rest in peace."