A 23-year-old epileptic student ignored medical orders not to drive — and ended up ploughing into a pedestrian in the heart of London’s West End while having a seizure.
Ignoring Doctor’s Orders Ends in Disaster
Sunainah Amber, diagnosed with epilepsy in July 2024, was strictly told to stay off the roads for at least a year. But just four months later, she was behind the wheel of her mother’s Toyota Yaris near Piccadilly Circus — with a friend, Aysha Cheema, in the passenger seat. Suddenly seized by a fit, Amber lost control. The car mounted the pavement, smashing into pedestrian Marlon Villerreal, who was hurled into the iconic Horse of Helios fountain. The vehicle then sped forward, forcing terrified bystanders to leap out of the way before crashing into a lamppost outside Angus Steakhouse.
Passenger Pleads for Help in Nightmare Ride
Ms. Cheema screamed for help and desperately tried to open the door to escape the accelerating car. She sustained a fractured leg in the crash, while Mr Villerreal suffered cuts, bruises, and bleeding on the brain. Amber later pleaded guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Southwark Crown Court sentenced her to two years and eight months behind bars.
Judge Brands Amber ‘Lucky’ to Have Avoided Deaths
“You are fortunate you did not kill people that day, it’s as simple as that,” Judge Alexander Milne KC said. “You are lucky it wasn’t far worse.”
He added Amber was “in the midst of an epileptic fit” and “may not have fully appreciated the very realistic fear of her passenger.” Despite her barrister’s plea for leniency, the judge slammed Amber for willfully ignoring her doctor’s advice.
Aftermath and Court Details
- Amber was woken during a seizure by her sister in July, when doctors officially diagnosed her with epilepsy.
- She was ordered to inform the DVLA and avoid driving for at least a year — instructions she blatantly ignored.
- The crash happened on November 12, 2024, around 7pm near the busy Piccadilly Circus.
- Ms Cheema, Amber’s friend from St Mary’s University, suffered months of pain and ongoing psychological distress.
- Amber admitted “immaturity” led to her reckless decision and has since apologised to Ms Cheema in a letter.
Amber, previously on an accountancy graduate scheme, must serve just over a year in prison before being eligible for parole. She’s banned from driving for three years and four months.
