Driver Jailed for Deadly Hit-and-Run That Killed Teen Student
A reckless driver has been locked up for 30 months after ploughing into a teenage student and fleeing the scene, leaving her to die on a busy Newcastle street.
Emma Guilbert Mowed Down and Left to Die
Mohammed Youssaf, 33, smashed into 18-year-old Emma Guilbert as she crossed Wingrove Road in Fenham in November 2018. The Newcastle University Psychology fresher’s body was thrown over 36 metres by the impact.
Despite the crash happening at a pedestrian crossing on a 30mph road, Youssaf was travelling at more than 40mph. Instead of helping, he sped off in his Peugeot 307, abandoning Emma in the road.
Bystanders rushed to the scene and called for help, but Emma died in hospital three days later.
Driver’s Lies Uncovered
Youssaf handed himself in days later, claiming he tried to call 999 three times. Police found the calls were dialled incorrectly then deliberately deleted from his phone.
He admitted careless driving causing death but denied dangerous driving. A jury at Newcastle Crown Court convicted him of the more serious charge on Tuesday.
He was also banned from driving for 51 months after his jail term ends.
Relentless Grief for Emma’s Family
“Emma was starting an exciting new life… just weeks after her arrival she was mowed down and left to die alone,” said Inspector Ian Cutty, lead investigating officer.
Emma’s dad, Martin, gave a heart-wrenching tribute in court:
“From the day Emma was born she lit up our lives. She was kind, intelligent, full of potential. She had the world at her feet.
The day she died changed our family forever — all because a driver sped, hit our daughter and sped away.
We are broken and can never be mended. But thank you to the strangers who cared for Emma in her final hours – you mean the world to us.”
This tragic case serves as a stark warning about the deadly consequences of dangerous driving.
