The van driver who tragically killed a three-year-old girl in a crash had reportedly consumed «at least 20 lines of cocaine,» as revealed in court proceedings. Rawal Rehman, 35, residing on Lambton Road in Manchester, was behind the wheel on Mosley Street on 22 February when his vehicle collided with a tram. The collision resulted in the striking of Louisa Palmisano, affectionately known as Lulu, while she was walking with her parents. Following the incident at approximately 10 am, Rehman fled the scene but was later apprehended. Sadly, the three-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical treatment at the hospital.
On a subsequent hearing, Rehman admitted to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving in his Mercedes Sprinter van. Prosecutors disclosed to Manchester Crown Court that Rehman had frequented two massage parlors in the city mere hours before the fatal collision. Furthermore, it was disclosed that he had consumed a substantial amount of cocaine, totaling at least 20 lines within a span of seven hours. The prosecution argued that Rehman’s extensive drug use significantly impaired his ability to drive safely.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) issued a statement indicating that Rehman disregarded stop signs and provided the tram driver with no opportunity to avoid the collision. As a consequence, the tram collided with the side of Rehman’s van, causing it to mount the pavement. Abbie Clarke, a senior crown prosecutor for CPS North West, emphasized that Rehman’s driving conduct fell significantly below the expected standard of a competent and cautious driver. Clarke also highlighted Rehman’s initial refusal to acknowledge his culpability, as he attempted to evade responsibility by fleeing the scene in a taxi. It wasn’t until his third court appearance that Rehman finally admitted to his reckless actions. Clarke stressed the necessity for Rehman to face the repercussions of his actions in relation to the tragic and preventable loss of life.
In a separate incident, Rehman had been previously incarcerated in 2017 for involvement in a conspiracy to obstruct justice by setting fire to a car implicated in a fatal hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a 25-year-old man in Chorlton. Rehman is presently in custody awaiting sentencing scheduled for 27 May.
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