Police have released CCTV footage capturing the moment a teenage girl was reportedly pushed by a truck shortly before she was fatally crushed. Mohammed Azim, a 41-year-old recovery truck driver, is facing accusations of murdering his 19-year-old girlfriend, Lily Whitehouse, in Oldbury on November 5 last year. During his trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Azim tearfully denied any intent to harm Whitehouse, who prosecutors claim suffered fatal chest injuries after being pinned against a lamppost during an argument with Azim using his truck as a weapon.
Azim refuted the murder allegations, asserting that Whitehouse was accidentally hit by his truck after he dropped her off near her residence. He maintained his innocence, stating that on the night of the incident, which coincided with his 41st birthday, there was no altercation between them. Azim recounted picking Whitehouse up after she disembarked from a bus following a visit to Russells Hall Hospital to see her premature baby in the neonatal intensive care unit. He stated that he was driving her home to Amber Drive in Oldbury.
According to Azim’s testimony, Whitehouse requested to spend more time with him before heading home. They conversed and used their phones while parked on Old Park Lane. Azim denied any argument, claiming Whitehouse expressed a desire to accompany him. He recounted an emotional moment where Whitehouse attempted to prevent him from leaving, leading to a situation where he had to maneuver his vehicle to avoid parked cars.
Azim described feeling an impact at the back of the truck, possibly caused by Whitehouse. He immediately stopped the vehicle and discovered her lying in the road. In a state of shock, Azim decided to transport Whitehouse to the hospital himself, calling emergency services while parked on Park Street due to his disorientation.
The defendant admitted to fabricating a story about another vehicle hitting Whitehouse out of disbelief and confusion. He emphasized his care and concern for Whitehouse, highlighting their relationship dynamics and her reliance on him for support due to a lack of friends. Azim vehemently denied ever harming Whitehouse and attributed her behavior, such as sending misleading messages, to seeking attention rather than malice.
Azim’s trial is ongoing, with further details anticipated as the case progresses.
