Van driver jailed after killing London student

Van Driver Sentenced After Fatal Collision Near London University

A 27-year-old van operator, Christopher Jackson from Southampton, has been handed an eight-year prison term following a crash that killed a 20-year-old student near King’s College London’s campus. The incident, which occurred on March 18th last year, involved Jackson’s vehicle colliding with gates in The Strand, propelling him briefly into the air before striking the victim.

Jackson, who had no prior experience with electric vehicles, was tasked with retrieving the van from Bush House in Aldwych. The court was informed that the 20-year-old, Aalia Mahomed, was seated on a bench close to the university’s entrance when the accident happened. The van mounted a flower bed, soared temporarily, and then struck her, coming to rest near the wall of St Mary-Le-Strand church.

The trial at the Old Bailey revealed the crash lasted approximately six seconds. Judge Philip Katz KC noted Jackson’s lack of expertise in operating electric vans, emphasizing his “significant level of irresponsibility” during the incident. “You were pressing or pumping the accelerator, believing it to be the brake,” the judge remarked, highlighting the driver’s confusion.

“Losing a child isn’t just about losing someone from your life—it’s losing a part of yourself. Our beautiful Aalia had a future full of promise, but it was cut short at 20 with no warning or chance for goodbyes,” said Samira Shafi, Aalia’s mother.

Jackson had earlier pleaded guilty to causing serious injuries to two other KCL students, Irem Yoldas and Yamin Belmessous, both in their 20s, who suffered life-altering harm from the gate. His defense argued the accident was “tragic” and not due to “excessive speed, alcohol, or drugs,” but the judge dismissed this, stating that any careful driver would ensure safety before starting a journey.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed no mechanical faults in the van, attributing the crash to “unintended acceleration exacerbated by Jackson’s panic.” Despite offering no explanation during the investigation, the judge acknowledged his remorse as “immediate and genuine.” Jackson’s sentence includes three concurrent years for the serious injury charges, with two-thirds of his time served before release on license. He is also banned from driving and must pass a retest to regain his license.

Updates to this story will be posted as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for the latest developments via the Sky News app, WhatsApp, or YouTube channel.