Hate-fuelled hit-and-run in Cricklewood lands man behind bars
A man who deliberately ploughed a car into a group of pedestrians outside a Muslim community centre in Cricklewood has been jailed for five years. Martin Stokes, 25, from Wembley, admitted dangerous driving, causing serious injury, and a religiously aggravated offence.
Deliberate attack outside mosque during sacred month
The horror unfolded just after midnight on September 19, 2018. Stokes was parked near The Al Hussaini Association on Horseshoe Close, where a private event was underway. Drinking and smoking in his car, Stokes and his mates were asked to move on by event stewards for causing a disturbance.
Instead of leaving quietly, Stokes erupted with racist abuse before deliberately driving into a crowd leaving the community centre, then sped off. Three people were hurt, including a man in his 50s who suffered serious hip and leg injuries, requiring more than three weeks in hospital.
Police crack down on hate crime
Brent CID quickly launched an investigation. Stokes was arrested on October 23 and charged. Detective Sergeant Kelly Schonhage slammed Stokes’ reckless act: “He selfishly drove his car at innocent pedestrians with no regard for their safety. It’s a miracle no one was killed.”
Javid Rana, Chair of the Association of Muslim Police, said: “This case sends a strong message that the police won’t tolerate hate crime of any kind.”
Community leaders praise swift justice
Mohammed Al Bayati from the Al Hussaini Association spoke of the fear and heartbreak caused by the attack during Muharram, a sacred Islamic month. He said: “Our members faced vile racist and anti-Islamic taunts before this violent assault. We pray for the victims and thank our community wardens whose quick actions prevented a worse tragedy.”
Al Bayati also thanked Commander Simon Rose and Detective Sergeant Schonhage for their rapid response and dedication to bringing those responsible to justice, reassuring the community after the shocking attack.
