A cyclist was left paralyzed in a tragic incident involving a taxi driver at a busy road. The driver, Khalid Mohammad, previously known as Haroon Malik, was driving his Toyota Prius in Stoke-on-Trent on September 16, 2024. Mohammad, 66, made a risky maneuver on a red light, resulting in a collision with a 53-year-old cyclist, causing paralysis.
Mohammad received a 19-week suspended prison sentence, a 12-month driving ban, and was ordered to pay £500 in court costs. According to Prosecutor Barry White, the victim was completely paralyzed in the accident, with the incident detailed during the court proceedings.
Witnesses observed the cyclist crossing the junction before being hit by Mohammad’s car. A victim impact statement highlighted the life-changing impact on the cyclist, who expressed the challenges faced since the accident.
Matthew Ness, representing Mohammad, acknowledged the tragic nature of the incident, emphasizing Mohammad’s remorse and previously unblemished driving record. Recorder Robert Smith recognized Mohammad’s immediate admissions and remorse, noting the devastating consequences of the collision on the victim and their family.
The court case shed light on the profound impact of the incident, with Mohammad facing the challenge of living with the guilt while dealing with the loss of his employment as a taxi driver.
