In a tragic case that underscores the dangers of reckless driving, Abdullah Alsaadoun, 22, has been sentenced to eight years and four months in prison for causing the death of his cousin, Yusif Salah, 20, in a high-speed car crash. The accident occurred on the A40 Westway in Paddington, London, when Alsaadoun, driving a rented BMW 640D at three times the 30mph speed limit, collided with a 26-tonne lorry.
The court at the Old Bailey heard that on June 13, at around 3.15 am, Alsaadoun was driving at 46mph as he approached the Westway, an elevated section of the A40. Within half a minute, he accelerated to 90mph, causing the BMW, straddling two lanes, to crash into the lorry. The impact was severe, crushing the passenger side of the car and resulting in the death of Yusif, who was in the passenger seat. Alsaadoun, however, escaped with no significant injuries.
The prosecutor, Lisa Goddard, and Judge Anthony Leonard KC highlighted Alsaadoun’s intention to show off the power of the rented BMW, which he had been hiring for £300 a fortnight. Yusif’s family described him as a young man who feared high speeds and avoided fast rides like rollercoasters.
The aftermath of the crash was harrowing, with the lorry driver recounting Alsaadoun’s shock and despair. However, Alsaadoun first called his parents, who lived nearby, instead of dialling 999, a decision questioned by Yusif’s father, Tariq Salah. Alsaadoun defended his action, stating that other road users were already contacting emergency services.
Yusif, remembered by his family as a quiet, caring young man with aspirations to start a plumbing course, was pronounced dead at the scene despite paramedics’ efforts. Alsaadoun was arrested and later made no comment to police questions, only stating that the BMW was not stolen and he was insured to drive it.
Victim impact statements in court revealed the depth of the family’s grief and the loss they felt. Yusif’s sister and mother expressed their profound sorrow and the impact his death had on their lives. The relationship between Yusif’s family and Alsaadoun’s has been irreparably damaged, with Yusif’s mother doubting Alsaadoun’s remorse.
Peter Marshall, Alsaadoun’s barrister, insisted his client felt deep remorse but had been advised against contacting Yusif’s family due to the sensitive nature of the situation. Judge Leonard noted that the crash occurred just weeks before new sentencing guidelines were introduced, which would have allowed a life sentence for such offences. Alsaadoun, previously penalized for driving with excess cannabis and without insurance, was sentenced to prison and will face a 10-year driving disqualification and an extended driving test requirement.
