Two men sentenced for crash that killed mum and 4-year-old in Leeds

Two men have been sentenced today for killing a Leeds mum and her 4-year-old daughter as they walked to school.

It happened on Scott Hall Road in 2023, when Hardeep Bhachu and Jasskamal Riyat were racing the cars they were driving.

Today a judge sentenced Jasskamal Riyat to 16 years in prison and Hardeep Bhachu to 12 years.

Detective Inspector Paul Conroy, of West Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Enquiry Team, said:

“This was an absolutely horrifying collision that I know even shocked experienced collision investigators. An innocent mother and daughter who were simply making their way to school never made it there and tragically never made it home because of the selfish, reckless actions of these two men.

“Bhachu and Riyat didn’t know each other. They were two men showing off their fast cars on a busy dual carriageway.

“We have released a video which shows the moments leading up to this collision. It is upsetting to watch but I hope that it might make people think about their own driving and encourage conversations with friends and family. Ultimately, Bhachu thought he could drive at those speeds in his high-powered car, but he couldn’t, and his loss of control took two lives and ruined many more.

“Riyat witnessed this collision but instead of stopping to check if those involved were okay, he left the scene. He denied his involvement but was convicted thanks to the extensive footage showing his speeding vehicle in the moments leading up to the collision.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who came forward to provide dashcam and CCTV footage which helped us to demonstrate the dangerous nature of both Bhachu and Riyat’s driving that morning.”

"my whole world collapsed in one second"

Statement from the fiance of Justyna Hulboj and father of Lena Czepczor:

"Before 16 January 2023, my life was a fulfilment of my deepest dreams, I had everything that was most important in life. I had a good job, a wonderful fiancée, Justyna and a wonderful daughter, Lena.

"Unfortunately, on the morning of January 16, when I said goodbye to my family with the words “I love you”, I didn't know that it would be the last time I saw them.

"When I was informed about their deaths, my whole world collapsed in one second.

"Every day I feel a huge void after their departure, and I imagine what it would be like if they were still alive. We had so many plans and dreams and in one moment it all ended.

"I know that I will have to live with the burden of losing the two most important people in my life for the rest of my life.

"I would like to live normally again without all this, but I know that it is no longer possible, no one will bring back the lives of my fiancée and my daughter. This nightmare will last for the rest of my life.

"My dream was to have a wonderful family, and I must say that it came true for a short while, but that was taken away from me on the 16th of January.

"Unfortunately, all that remains are wonderful memories and a constant fight for the next day, which is not easy."

"selfish and reckless decision"

Ryan Gill, Acting Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire & Humberside said:

"My thoughts today remain with the family and loved ones of Justyne Hulboj and Lena Czepczor. They lost their lives because two men made the selfish and reckless decision to race through busy morning traffic, showing a complete disregard for the safety of those around them.

“Recognising the strength of the evidence against him, Hardeep Bhachu pleaded guilty to his crimes. Jasskamal Riyat attempted to maintain that he was not driving dangerously. However, the evidence clearly showed him to be an active participant in dangerous and competitive driving that led to the tragic loss of life that took place. I am pleased that we have been able to hold him accountable for the role he played in this entirely avoidable tragedy.

"I hope today's outcome provides some measure of justice for Justyne and Lena's family."

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