November 9th 2024.
A middle-aged man known as a 'boy racer' has been sentenced to 13-and-a-half years in jail for causing a deadly collision. This man, Dhiya Al Maamoury, 56, was driving a modified Nissan Skyline at high speeds when he lost control and crashed into a group of teenagers, killing two and seriously injuring two others. The incident took place at a car meet in Oldbury, near Birmingham, in November 2022.
During the trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, family members of the victims were present in the public gallery, sobbing as the extensive list of injuries suffered by their loved ones was read out. Despite the efforts of police officers and paramedics, two of the victims, 16-year-old Liberty Charris and 19-year-old Ben Corfield, could not be saved and died at the scene.
The court was told that Al Maamoury had been driving at speeds between 54 and 57mph in a 40mph zone, and his car was 'fishtailing' before he lost complete control and crashed into the group of friends on the pavement. He pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The prosecutor, Michelle Heeley KC, explained that Al Maamoury's car had been modified to have a fire-spitting exhaust and a turbo engine, and he had been driving recklessly and showing off at the car meet. She also mentioned that, while he was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, he was driving dangerously in an area full of pedestrians.
In his defense, Al Maamoury claimed that he was not speeding and that the car had gone to the curb 'by itself' as he was on his way home with his sons after a night of photography. However, evidence from Snapchat and CCTV footage proved otherwise, showing that he had been accelerating excessively and trying to show off.
During the emotional trial, family members of the victims gave heartbreaking testimonies. Ben's father, Damian Corfield, expressed his devastation at losing his son and best friend, while Liberty's mother, Tracy Charris, paid tribute to her 'larger than life' daughter.
The judge, Michael Chambers KC, described Al Maamoury's vehicle as 'powerful, loud, noisy, and aggressive' and acknowledged the catastrophic consequences of his actions. He sentenced Al Maamoury to 13-and-a-half years in prison and banned him from driving for 14 years.
In his defense, Al Maamoury's lawyer, Balbir Singh, stated that his client had no intention of causing harm and was full of regret and remorse. He also mentioned Al Maamoury's positive character and how he had worked hard to provide for his family, having been displaced from Iraq due to the Gulf War.
In conclusion, this tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives. The judge also noted the prevalence of car meets organized through social media, and the need for young people to be aware of the risks involved.
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