A court has heard that a dangerous driver, Mohammed Sullaiman Khan, 27, ordered a burger and chips at a fast-food restaurant just an hour after causing a fatal car crash that resulted in the deaths of two brothers, aged 10 and 23 months.
The horrendous crash took place at about 8.45 pm on March 14, 2019.
The incident occurred when Khan's Audi A3 collided with a BMW, which the mother Arathi Nahar was driving when Khan's car hurtled into it on Birmingham New Road, Wolverhampton, in 2019, The Daily Mail reported.
The crash claimed the lives of brothers Sanjay Singh, 10, and Pawanveer Singh, while their mother suffered serious injuries.
According to prosecutors at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Khan quickly left the scene of the accident and was subsequently picked up by his friend, Tejinder Singh.
Khan, of Birmingham allegedly informed Singh about a "bump" in the car, leading them to rendezvous with another passenger, Rashane Henry, 32, of Fairway Green, Bilston who was in Singh's car.
The court heard that Singh picked up Khan around 8:50 pm, and the three men stopped to grab some food shortly after.
Khan had previously admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He later changed his plea and admitted to conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Henry, the passenger, denied conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and testified that they indeed visited the fast-food restaurant following the collision.
Footage of their visit, taken at 10:01 pm, was presented to the jurors.
During cross-examination, Henry recounted how Singh had received a call from Khan about the collision while driving him back to his Bilston home.
Singh immediately turned the car around upon receiving the call. Khan had allegedly requested Singh’s assistance regarding the “bump”.
Henry also noted that he found it strange that Khan had already left the scene by the time they arrived.
After picking up Khan and another passenger, Singh, Henry, and Khan went to Slamburger in Ladypool Road, where they ordered burgers and chips and spent about 15 minutes eating.
Upon dropping off Khan, Singh returned to the crash scene. Henry claimed he left the vehicle out of curiosity and witnessed Singh engaging in an argument with police officers who prevented him from passing through a restricted area. Henry then returned to the car.
Prosecutor Robert Price questioned Henry about the severity of the collision, to which Henry agreed that it was not a minor incident.
Price asked if they were aware that it was the same collision Khan had mentioned to Singh, to which Henry responded affirmatively.
However, neither of them stopped to offer assistance.
Henry explained that he was in shock and not in control of the car. He alleged that Singh would have likely continued driving even if he had asked him to pull over.
He acknowledged that he should have called emergency services but claimed he was "dragged to the scene."
The prosecution asserts that both Khan and another driver, Hamza Shahid, were responsible for the crash, which occurred during a "spontaneous race" involving "catastrophically high speeds."
Shahid denies charges of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Singh, 31, of Babors Field, Bilston facing similar charges, had his case separated from the others due to a serious illness, and his trial date is yet to be determined.
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with naval personnel aboard aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, describing it as a symbol of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India).
Modi arrived on Sunday (19) evening and boarded the home-built carrier off Goa's coast following a discreet journey. Onboard the vessel, he visited the flight deck surrounded by MiG 29K fighter aircraft and observed multiple takeoff and landing operations conducted both during daylight and darkness.
The programme included a performance by Navy officers and sailors who sang patriotic compositions. One song, specially written by personnel, commemorated Operation Sindoor's success by the Indian Armed Forces. Modi shared dinner with naval staff during the Bara Khana, engaging with members and their families.
On Monday (20) morning, the prime minister participated in a yoga session on deck and witnessed a flypast featuring warships and aircraft. He subsequently addressed the assembled personnel and distributed sweets.
Modi interacts with naval personnel aboard INS Vikrant. (Handout via PTI Photo)
"INS Vikrant is not merely a warship. It represents 21st-century India's work, talent and commitment," Modi said during his address.
He highlighted the strategic significance of Brahmos missiles, noting their international demand. Multiple countries now seek to purchase the systems, Modi added.
Reflecting on his experience, Modi said: "My night aboard INS Vikrant is difficult to convey. The energy you demonstrated was remarkable. When I heard you sing patriotic songs, particularly your account of Operation Sindoor, no words can fully express what a serviceman experiences on duty. My Diwali has been special spending it amongst you."
INS Vikrant, commissioned in 2022, is India's first home-built aircraft carrier and the nation's second operational carrier following INS Vikramaditya, which was constructed on a Russian platform. The vessel ranks as the largest warship built in India.
Modi has observed Diwali with the armed forces annually since 2014, continuing the tradition that connects political leadership with defence personnel during the festival.
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