The family of eight-year-old Mustafa Ahmed, who tragically lost his life in a collision involving a dangerous driver in Plumstead, faces an agonising wait for justice due to court delays.
On February 19 last year, Nicholas Hopkins, 20, drove his motorbike into Mustafa, his 10-year-old brother, and their father as they were crossing Plumstead Road. Mustafa was pronounced dead at the scene, and his father fell into a coma for two months.
In November, Hopkins pleaded guilty to causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving, driving while uninsured, and possession of class B drugs.
On Friday, January 26, Hopkins was scheduled to be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court. However, the Ahmed family was informed at the last minute that the case had to be adjourned because the prosecutor was unavailable.
Hopkins appeared in court via video link, and Judge Freya Newbery explained the situation, stating, “For really unfortunate reasons, the prosecutor has got stuck at the Old Bailey, where she’s involved in a very serious sentencing there. She was unable to be released to come to this court. As a result, she wouldn’t be able to be here until 3 pm or 3:30 pm, so I do have to put the sentence back to another day.”
The judge empathized with both Hopkins and the Ahmed family, saying, “I know that this will be very disappointing for you, Mr. Hopkins, but also for your victims who are waiting anxiously for the sentence to take place.” The sentencing has now been rescheduled for next Friday, February 2.
Mustafa was on his way to the mosque in Plumstead on the evening of Sunday, February 19 last year when the tragic accident occurred. While crossing the road with his family, Hopkins crashed into them on his motorbike.
Detective Sergeant Sam Miles from the Roads and Transport Policing Command expressed condolences, stating, “Our thoughts remain with Mustafa’s family – who continue to struggle with the events of that day – as well as the officers and paramedics who were first on the scene. This is truly a tragic case, caused by the defendant’s reckless and dangerous driving. Mustafa was only eight years old and had the rest of his life ahead of him.
