Driver jailed after high-speed M40 crash that killed charity worker
Motorist was travelling at up to 146mph before fatal collision near Beaconsfield, court hears
A driver who ran from the scene of a fatal motorway crash has been sentenced to ten years in prison after admitting causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.
Trad Almaghrabi, 24, of Harlington Road, Uxbridge, appeared at Aylesbury Crown Court today (4 February), where he was jailed for causing the death of 27-year-old Naweed Hussain and seriously injuring another passenger during a collision on the M40 near Beaconsfield.
Almaghrabi had previously pleaded guilty to both offences at a hearing on 30 October 2025.
The court imposed a ten-year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving, along with a further two years for causing serious injury by dangerous driving, to be served concurrently.
He was also banned from driving for 11 years and eight months and will be required to pass an extended driving test before being allowed back on the road. His car was ordered to be forfeited and destroyed, and he was told to pay £1,000 in court costs.
The court heard that shortly before 1.15am on 12 July last year, Almaghrabi was driving a blue Mercedes AMG C250. Earlier that evening, he had been seen buying alcohol at the Coach & Horses pub in Uxbridge, before leaving at around 12.40am with three passengers.
Witnesses reported the Mercedes being driven at extreme speed and in a dangerous manner from Uxbridge and onto the northbound M40. As the vehicle approached junction 2, where a 50mph limit was in place due to roadworks, it collided with the rear of a Volkswagen Golf.
The Golf was being driven by Mr Hussain, who was returning home after working at a charity football event. He was killed instantly as a result of the impact.
A man in his twenties, who was seated in the front passenger seat, suffered serious injuries including fractured vertebrae, broken ribs, lung bleeding and a wrist injury. He was taken to hospital and continues to recover.
In the moments following the crash, Almaghrabi left the scene on foot, walking up the slip road towards Beaconsfield Services. CCTV footage later showed him moving away from the area.
Police officers attending the scene discovered a nitrous oxide canister inside the Mercedes, as well as cannabis and a grinder found underneath the vehicle. Forensic testing linked the items to Almaghrabi.
Following enquiries, police identified him as the driver. He handed himself in at Wycombe police station later that evening and was formally charged two days later.
A forensic examination of the collision revealed that Almaghrabi had been travelling at between 135mph and 146mph immediately before the crash.
Lead investigator Sergeant Ed Crofts of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:
“This was a truly shocking collision, and the speeds at which Almaghrabi was driving just prior to the collision beggar belief.
“The fact that he then took the cowardly decision to run from the scene shows the complete disregard that he had for the two victims in this case, leaving Naweed for dead and his passenger with extensive serious multiple injuries.
“Throughout the course of this investigation, Naweed's family have remained completely dignified and patient while we brought the evidence to court.
“No outcome in court can ever lessen the pain and suffering that they have endured since Naweed died, but I hope that this court outcome can allow them some sense of justice.
“Driving at the speeds Almaghrabi was doing had catastrophic effects, and I am satisfied that the courts have recognised the serious consequences of his actions with this prison sentence.
“Speeding is one of the fatal four, and we will always look to take action against those who flout the laws on our roads.
“My thoughts and the thoughts of all of us at Thames Valley Police remain with the family and friends of Naweed, and I hope that they can move on with their lives in the best way possible.”