Driver jailed for killing man in crash while watching TikTok
Ismaeel Malik was watching social media videos at approx 70mph when he collided with stationary traffic, killing a father on his way to work
A 22-year-old driver has been jailed for eight years after causing the death of a father in a crash on the A12 while he was repeatedly using social media on his phone.
Ismaeel Malik, of Bledlow Ridge in High Wycombe, was driving along the A12 on the morning of 22 October 2024 when he collided with the rear of a stationary Volkswagen Polo near Kelvedon. The car was being driven by 58-year-old Norman Case, who was trapped in traffic at the time.
Police investigation of Malik’s mobile phone showed he had been actively using it throughout his journey, with the TikTok app opened 22 times and playing for a total of around one hour and 20 minutes. Analysis also showed the app was running continuously from around 9:30am.
At approximately 9:33am, Mr Case’s vehicle automatically detected the impact and triggered an emergency SOS call. Despite the rapid response of emergency services, Mr Case was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time of the collision, Malik was travelling at approximately 70mph.
Following the incident, Malik was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and later charged. He pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court on 26 March 2025.
He was sentenced at the same court on 29 April 2026 to eight years in prison. The sentence includes consideration of his early guilty plea. Malik will serve two-thirds of the term in custody and will be banned from driving for 10 years and four months.
No video is worth a life
Detective Inspector Mark Fraser, of our serious collision investigation unit, said:
“This was so much more than a momentary lapse of concentration. This was persistent, illegal and dangerous use of a phone whilst driving.
“His actions took the life of Norman Case – a loving dad of two who had everything to live for.
“Malik’s actions in October 2024 have irreparably changed the lives of so many people. Norman’s family feel his loss continually and no words can convey that adequately.
“This has also impacted his own life and his family’s. He is a 22-year-old man who now has an incredibly serious conviction which has obvious and immediate consequences but also longer-term ones.”
DI Fraser added:
“Driving is a privilege, not a right. The use of phones whilst driving is illegal for a reason. It detracts drivers’ attention and can have devastating consequences.
“On 22 October 2024, Mr Case had left his children off at the bus school stop. He would never have anticipated it being the last time he would see them. Equally, when waving him off, his family would never have imagined not seeing him alive again.
“To anyone who uses their phone or considers using their phone whilst driving – please do not. No video, no message, and no notification is worth a life.”