A shocking incident occurred on June 18, 2023, when 24-year-old Ahmed Lal, driving his friend's BMW convertible, struck pedestrian David Skinner as he crossed the road at Watling Street, Wellington, Shropshire. Lal was racing his car at speeds exceeding 68 mph—more than double the 30 mph speed limit—when he hit Skinner, who was using the pedestrian crossing at the time.
According to police reports and CCTV footage released during the investigation, just before the collision, Lal was seen speeding, performing reckless maneuvers to impress friends. The footage recorded the moment of impact, showing Skinner being thrown high up and landing inside the backseat of the BMW, with his shoe flying off as he was struck.
Skinner, aged 18 at the time, was left with serious injuries, including fractured bones in his pelvis and foot, as well as significant bruising. Shortly after the incident, local law enforcement arrived to conduct tests on Lal. Results revealed he was under the influence of cannabis. Further investigations showed he was driving on a provisional license without displaying L plates, violating road safety regulations.
Lal fled the scene immediately after the collision, but police quickly tracked him down to Stoke-On-Trent, where he was arrested. The charges against him included causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving under the influence of drugs, and perverting the course of justice. He was also charged with possession of illegal drugs, including heroin and crack cocaine.
During the court proceedings at Shrewsbury Crown Court, prosecutor William Dudley emphasized the reckless nature of Lal's actions. He stated, "The defendant was racing around town beforehand. His speed was far too fast.” Lal pleaded guilty and received a prison sentence of five years and eight months. Recorder Adrian Jack, during sentencing, pointed out the egregiousness of Lal's speed and his flouting of legal standards. "You drove at a wholly excessive speed for an extended period of time. Your victim was thrown..." he stated, reflecting on the harrowing nature of the incident.
Mr. Skinner provided victim impact statements detailing the aftermath of the collision. He shared his struggles with sleep and mental health, stating, "I feel dead inside," as he worries about how his injuries will affect his employment prospects. This highlights the long-lasting effects such reckless actions can have on victims.
A spokesman from West Mercia Police's Operational Policing Unit remarked on the impact of Lal's actions, calling them "irresponsible... and [that they] delayed us getting justice after he gave false details to try and avoid facing the consequences of his actions." They expressed hope the sentence would provide some closure for Skinner, who has endured significant hardship since the incident.
The case stands as a grim reminder of the dangerous consequences of reckless driving, especially when under the influence of drugs. Lal's actions not only led to life-altering injuries for Mr. Skinner but also resulted in severe legal ramifications for himself. The court's decision serves as both punishment and notice to other potential offenders about the dangers of impaired and excessive speed driving.