Van driver jailed for killing university student in flower bed crash near The Strand
A minibus driver who knocked down an iron gate in central London, hitting two people before climbing into a flowerbed and fatally striking a university student sitting on a bench has been jailed for eight years.
Aalia Mahomed, who studied at King’s College London, died at the crash site in the Strand on March 18 last year.
The 20-year-old girl, who is in her second year of studying physics and philosophy, was described as “the most amazing girl” by her mother Samira Shafi in her statement in court.
Two people, İrem Yoldaş and Yamin Belmessous, were also injured in the incident.
Christopher Jackson, 27, from Southampton, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday and was sentenced to eight years in prison after previously pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Emergency services were called to The Strand, near the Kings College London campus, at 11:41am on Tuesday 18 March 2025.
On the morning of the incident, Jackson arrived at work and was tasked with collecting two electric vehicles from Bush House in Aldwych. Leaving the courtyard of Bush House, he sped towards a set of iron gates leading to the pedestrian area of The Strand. Jackson slammed on the doors, forcing them open. This force caused the doors to hit a 28-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man, causing serious injuries.
While the surrounding citizens rushed to help, the injured were taken to the hospital by emergency response teams. Due to the impact of the collision, they both suffered serious and life-changing injuries.
Jackson continued to drive the vehicle forward, causing the vehicle to become stuck in a flower bed. The vehicle briefly flew into the air before colliding with Aalia, who was sitting on a bench on the other side of the flower bed. He was facing away from the vehicle at the time of the collision.
The defendant was sentenced by Judge Philip Katz KC to eight years imprisonment for causing death by dangerous driving and three years each for causing serious injury by dangerous driving, to run concurrently.
Jackson was told he would serve two-thirds of his sentence before being released on licence.
He was also told that he would be banned from driving for five years, this period would be extended by the time he would remain in custody, and that he would have to take a mandatory re-test.
Detective Superintendent Donna Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Service, said: “It has been almost a year since this terrible incident. This should never have happened and Aalia should still be with us today, surrounded by those who love her.”
“As always, our thoughts are with Aalia’s family and friends. Their strength this past year has been extraordinary. We cannot imagine the immeasurable pain they have experienced since last March.
“We want to share our thoughts with the other two victims whose lives were changed forever. They continue to show extraordinary courage, and we know their lives will never be the same.”
“Finally, I would like to thank everyone involved in this investigation. We hope this case will serve as a reminder of the consequences of dangerous driving.”
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Roy Pershad, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Our thoughts are with those who knew and loved Aalia Mahomed, as well as the other victims who were seriously injured. “This must be an unimaginably difficult time for everyone involved.
“This was a horrific accident that claimed the life of Aalia, a young woman whose entire future lay ahead of her, and caused life-changing injuries to two others.
“Everyone behind the wheel has a responsibility to drive safely and with due care for those around them; the consequences of driving without this responsibility can be devastating.
“The Crown Prosecution Service carefully examined the evidence and worked closely with our police colleagues to build the strongest possible case. Jackson subsequently pleaded guilty to all charges against him.
“We hope today’s sentencing provides some justice and comfort to Aalia’s family and other victims as they continue to grieve and heal.”
