Man who killed grandmother in a fatal accident jailed for six years

Image by Northumbria Police

A 25-year-old who is responsible for the death of a grandmother due to a fatal accident in November 2021 has been jailed for six years.

Abobakr Mohammed, an Amazon employee, admitted that he was driving at a dangerous speed of up to 77mph in a 30mph zone, which led to the death of the woman.

Mohammed, who hails from Mardale Gardens, had been drinking ‘strong lager’ and was streaming music on his mobile phone when he struck Marion Whittaker, 55, while she was crossing Old Durham Road at around 10 pm, the Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday, 30 August.

Whittaker was walking home after looking after her grandchildren, reports suggest. However, the accident left her with fatal injuries due to which she succumbed.

On the fateful day, Mohammed had decided to drive to Gateshead from Newcastle with a co-worker to get some food even though he did not have a full UK licence.

A witness revealed that, Mohammed’s Toyota ‘flipped over on its roof and landed back on its wheels’ following the accident. He survived the horrific crash and his co-passenger sustained only minor injuries.

The court was informed that the scene of the crash was examined later and a speed report found that the vehicle was travelling not less than 77mph at the time.

Judge Julie Clemitson said, “You should never have been behind the wheel of that car that evening. Your passenger described the journey as scary, and when he looked at you it appeared to him you were consumed with your phone. You are unable to explain why you drove at such speed and ignored his requests to slow down. On a number of occasions you interacted with your phone in some way.”

Sgt Steve Armstrong, of Northumbria Police, said, “This is another sad case that reinforces a simple fact – our roads are not racetracks, and speeding can lead to devastating consequences.

“Mohammed knew he had not passed his test but got into the car whilst under the influence of alcohol and cannabis and willingly risked the lives of other road users and families living nearby.

“His decision that night to drive from Gateshead to Newcastle to get some food has cruelly resulted in Marion’s death, and her family and friends have had to live with the unimaginable pain ever since.”

In a victim impact statement, Whittaker’s daughter said that the family is struggling to come to terms with her untimely demise. “She was a loving and caring person who would do anything for anyone and was always there when I needed her,” the statement added.

Mohammed has been additionally banned from driving for seven years and two months, and has to mandatorily take an extended driving test.