Coked-up takeaway driver mows down dad, 32, and leaves him for …

Drugged-up delivery driver Arsalan Ahmed mowed down a pedestrian - and left him permanently disabled. The Audi A3 driver was delivering for the Tiger Bite takeaway when he failed to see Jazouli Yakoub as he crossed City Road, in Fenton^[1].

The 29-year-old was nearly five times the legal limit for cocaine and driving at between 48mph and 51mph when he struck his victim who was propelled into the air and hit by another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. Ahmed carried on driving and only returned to the scene about an hour later.

Dad-of-two Jazouli spent three weeks in hospital after suffering multiple injuries, including a broken leg and fractures to his skull, nose, scapula, ribs, and spine. Now Ahmed has been jailed for three years at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.^[2]

READ: Murder-accused 'killed ex by dousing her in petrol and setting her on fire' Georgian Constantin denies the murder of Valentina Cozma at her home in Campbell Road, Stoke^[3]

READ: Bentilee pervert who had sex chats with 'young girl' back in jail Dean Warren, 34, deleted messages and used apps designed to disguise internet activity^[4]

It was at 6.45pm on May 27, 2022 when Jazouli started to cross City Road.

Prosecutor Ben Lawrence said: "As he did so the Audi approached in the opposite direction at speed. A witness realised what was going to happen. She slowed her own vehicle and saw the defendant's vehicle hit Mr Yakoub. He was thrown into the air. The impact broke the windscreen of the defendant's car. He did not slow down or change direction and drove away from the scene."

Jazouli was unconscious and bleeding from his head. Witnesses gave him first aid and CPR until paramedics arrived and he was taken to hospital.

The incident has left 32-year-old Jazouli unable to work as well as shower or dress without assistance. He added: "Now I feel my life has ended."

Ahmed, of Havelock Place, Shelton^[5], pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Jason Holt, mitigating, said there was no evidence of a 'high degree of impairment'. He said Ahmed has had an addiction to cocaine.

Mr Holt added: "He acknowledges the effect of cocaine on his driving. He offers his sincere regret and apology to the victim. He was insured and eventually the insurers will deal with the issue of compensation. He does sincerely regret what happened and shows remorse."

Ahmed will start a four-year driving ban when he is released from prison. He must then pass an extended test.

Judge Paul Glenn told him: "The manner of your driving had caused concern before you seriously injured Mr Yakoub. You had followed a car. The driver thought your speed was 60mph to 70mph in a 30mph limit and she was shocked at your speed and noted part of your registration number and your posture when you were driving.

"That was moments before you knocked over Mr Yakoub as he crossed City Road close to his home address. Independent witnesses saw the collision and noted your excessive speed on impact. He was thrown into the air. He collided with another vehicle coming in the opposite carriageway. He was seriously injured. On arrival at hospital his condition was described as critically unwell.

"You carried on without hesitation. An hour or so later you came back and you were arrested. And you tested positive for cocaine at the roadside. You were found to have cocaine in your system with nearly five times the legal limit.

"It was daylight. It was dry. There was a good view available to you. It was a straight road. At 30mph this collision may have been avoided.

"Mr Yakoub was three weeks in hospital. He suffered a serious injury to his right arm and is permanently disabled. This has been life changing for him and had a massive financial effect.

"You were employed as a delivery driver at the time. You knew full well you were under the influence of cocaine. Whether you had taken it the previous day or the day in question really doesn't matter, you still chose to drive. And your return to the scene, it seems, was prompted by advice given to you by someone else.

"This was a deliberate decision to ignore the rules of the road. Your driving was highly impaired by the consumption of drugs. You did not see a pedestrian in broad daylight when he was there very clearly to be seen."

COURT AND CRIME NEWSLETTER: Sign up for email^[6] alerts direct to your inbox^[7]

References

1. ^{^} Fenton (%20http)
2. ^{^} Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. (%20http)
3. ^{^} Murder-accused 'killed ex by dousing her in petrol and setting her on fire' (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
4. ^{^} Bentilee pervert who had sex chats with 'young girl' back in jail (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
5. ^{^} Shelton (%20http)
6. ^{^} COURT AND CRIME NEWSLETTER: Sign up for email (data.reachplc.com)
7. ^{^} alerts direct to your inbox (data.reachplc.com)