Asim Bashir, 48, has been sentenced to 12 years in jail after causing a fatal collision that resulted in the death of Christopher Hunt, 33, and serious injuries to members of his own family.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 8, 2021, when Bashir attempted to overtake multiple vehicles while driving a grey BMW M8 along the westbound A47 near Wittering. With him in the car were his 12-year-old son in the front seat and his wife and two other sons, aged 10 and six months, in the back seats.
Bashir’s reckless manoeuvring led to a head-on collision with a red Ford Fiesta driven by Christopher Hunt, causing the Fiesta to go airborne, crash through a tree line, and explode into flames. Mr. Hunt tragically lost his life in the accident.
Passers-by rushed to assist the family, who managed to exit the vehicle, but Bashir had to be extricated from the wreckage by firefighters. His wife and two sons sustained serious injuries, while Mr Hunt was pronounced dead at the scene. Bashir’s four-year-old son, now wheelchair-bound, suffered life-changing injuries.
Following a seven-day trial in January, Bashir was found guilty of three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and one count of causing death by dangerous driving. At Cambridge Crown Court on February 26, 2024, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison and disqualified from driving for 14 years.
DC Kevin Drury remarked on the tragedy of the case, expressing sympathy for both Mr Hunt’s family and the Bashir family, who were deeply affected by the incident. He emphasized the recklessness of Bashir’s driving and the severe consequences it had for all involved.
In a statement issued after Bashir’s sentencing, Christopher Hunt’s family expressed relief at finally achieving justice and thanked the police and all involved in the trial for their dedication and professionalism throughout the process.
The sentencing serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of dangerous driving and underscores the importance of responsible behaviour on the roads to prevent further tragedies.
