Former taxi driver who drove at family in Newcastle is jailed
A former taxi driver who deliberately drove at a family on a Newcastle street – leaving a man with life-changing injuries – has been jailed.
A former taxi driver who deliberately drove at a family on a Newcastle street – leaving a man with life-changing injuries – has been jailed.
Last year, at around 9.15pm on Sunday, September 14, a family had been leaving a restaurant on Brighton Grove in Fenham.
As they crossed the road to return to their vehicle, a silver Skoda Superb came around the corner at speed, swerving dangerously.
Concerned by the driver’s behaviour, a member of the family has thrown a small lollipop towards the vehicle in an attempt to warn the driver of their risky behaviour.
In response, the driver – now known to be Hasan Mohammed – carried out a three-point turn at a set of traffic lights before accelerating directly towards the family at speed.
The male victim, aged in his 50s, was struck by the vehicle and thrown several feet into the air by the impact of the collision.
The others were narrowly missed in the collision, including a woman carrying a one-year-old child. Mohammed immediately fled the scene in the aftermath.
Emergency services were alerted by several 999 calls from members of the public, and officers from Northumbria Police’s Criminal Investigation Department immediately launched an investigation.
The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries including fractures to his leg, ribs, shoulder and vertebrae – as well as internal bleeding and significant facial injuries.
Officers arrested Mohammed just 42 minutes later and seized the damaged vehicle from his home in Elswick.
The now 26-year-old admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving, but was found guilty by a jury at trial at Newcastle Crown Court on March 19 of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.
He was remanded into custody and, today (Wednesday), Mohammed, of Kingsley Terrace, Newcastle appeared before the same court where he was sentenced to nine years in prison.
He was also handed a driving ban of 12 and a half years and must sit an extended test in the future.
The victim, who now lives “in constant pain” and is “living every day with the consequences”, shared an impact statement during the hearing.
He said: “This is something I never imagined would happen to me or my family.
“What began as a normal evening out ended in something that has permanently changed my life.”
Describing the moment he saw the vehicle driving towards him, he added: “There was no time to react or protect myself. I remember the fear, the confusion, and then the impact.
“I was struck at speed and thrown. What stays with me is not just the pain, but the knowledge that my family, including my young grandson and daughter, were right there and could have been killed.”
He continued: “Before this incident, I was a strong and independent man. That part of my life has now been taken away from me.”
Following major surgery, including a full shoulder replacement, he explained that his “body no longer does what it once did” and that he now requires assistance “with the most personal aspects” of his life.
His family also described the lasting impact, stating that their lives “have never returned to how things were before” and that there is a “constant awareness of what has happened hanging over” them.
The man’s daughter said how her dad was now “a prisoner in his own body” that was held together by “metal plates and screws”.
She added: “My father survived but the quality of his life was murdered that day.”
Detective Constable Courtney Cran, of Northumbria Police, said: “First and foremost, I would like to commend the victims for the dignity and resilience they have shown throughout what has been a complex and deeply traumatic investigation.
“Their strength has been unwavering in the face of life-changing injuries and lasting emotional impact.
“Despite overwhelming CCTV, dashcam footage and forensic evidence, Mohammed continued to deny assaulting them, forcing the victims to suffer through a trial, making them re-live each detail and moment.
“While no outcome at court will ever take away the pain that he has caused to this completely undeserving family, I hope they can take some comfort in the fact that Mohammed is now behind bars and that today’s outcome provides them with a sense that justice has been achieved.”
Detective Constable Cran added: “Using a vehicle to carry out an act of violence is never acceptable, and this case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that such impetuous decisions can cause.
“We are committed to cracking down on those who flout the law through dangerous driving and violent behaviour and will do all we can to ensure offenders are held accountable and have their day in court.”