Driver jailed for high-speed crash that killed passenger in West Sussex
Man receives prison sentence after dangerous driving incident
A man has been sentenced to nine years and six months in prison following a fatal crash in West Sussex.
On the evening of 10th August 2024, Arafath Ahmed was driving a silver Audi southbound on the A23 near Warninglid at speeds reaching 129mph.
The car lost control at a bend, colliding with a lamp post.
Mohammed Morshed, a passenger, was thrown from the vehicle and later died from his injuries.
Following the incident, nitrous oxide cannisters and balloons were discovered in the car, linking Ahmed's DNA to a balloon found in the driver's footwell.
Ahmed was initially arrested but released under investigation.
He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving on 1st December 2025.
Ahmed, from Plaistow, London, entered a guilty plea on 15th April and was sentenced at Hove Crown Court on 29th June.
Judge Gold KC noted Ahmed had been driving at excessive speeds on a spontaneous trip from London to Brighton:
"One of your passengers was Mohammed Morshed, and you were driving at grossly excessive speeds on the evening of 10 August.
"You had driven for many miles of speeds in excess of the speed limit, rarely dropping below 89 mph.
"You were driving at an eye watering 129mph four seconds before the collision. At the point of the collision, Mr Morshed was thrown from the machine.
"You had been drinking and smoking, although you were not over the limit, there were also nitrous oxide cannisters in the car, and a balloon found in the drivers footwell with your DNA."
Francesca Walton, Serious Collision Investigator, said:ollowing a long and thorough investigation into the collision that claimed Mohammed's life on 10 August 2024, we have now seen the driver responsible sentenced to time behind bars.
"Ahmed was found to have driven at speeds of almost double speed limit, showing a complete disregard for the safety of both his passengers and other road users.
"Our thoughts remain with Mohammed's family as this case comes to a close, and we hope they can continue on their journey of healing.