A Southampton man has been locked up for eight years after a deadly van crash near The Strand left a young woman dead and two others seriously hurt. Christopher Jackson, 27, caused death by dangerous driving in a shocking collision with a group of students last March.
Tragic Crash Claims Life of Bright Young Woman
The fatal smash happened last March in Aldwych. Twenty-year-old Aalia Mahomed was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family described Aalia as “a bright, kind and beautiful soul” who spread joy wherever she went.
Jackson also received a three-year sentence, to run concurrently, for causing serious injury to two others in the crash. The victims, aged 28 and 24, suffered life-changing injuries after being hit when Jackson’s van ploughed through iron gates and then mounted a flower bed.
Met Police and CPS Speak Out on Shocking Incident
“It should never have happened, and Aalia should still be with us today,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Donna Smith. “Our thoughts remain with her family and the other victims. Their courage is remarkable.”
Roy Pershad from the Crown Prosecution Service added: “This catastrophic crash changed lives forever. Every driver must take care on the roads. Jackson pleaded guilty, and we hope today’s sentence brings some justice and comfort.”
How the Collision Unfolded
- On 18 March 2025, Jackson was tasked with collecting electric vehicles from Bush House in Aldwych.
- Driving at speed, he crashed through iron gates leading to the pedestrian zone on The Strand, hitting the gates and seriously injuring a 28-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man.
- The van then mounted a flower bed and struck Aalia Mahomed, who was sitting on a bench.
- Jackson finally stopped near St Mary-Le-Strand church and was arrested on the scene within seven minutes.
Forensic investigators found no mechanical faults but determined that unintended acceleration and Jackson’s panic were to blame.
Justice Served at the Old Bailey
Jackson pleaded guilty to all charges during a hearing on 2 February and was sentenced this week. The case involved detailed CCTV reviews and forensic work to piece together the tragic sequence of events.
The Met Police hope the sentence acts as a stark warning about the deadly consequences of dangerous driving.
