Driver Sentenced to Over Five Years for Fatal Crash That Killed Four-Year-Old Girl
A driver who killed a four-year-old girl when he ploughed into a crowd celebrating Eid has been jailed for five years and four months. Javonnie Tavener, 23, struck "bright and cheerful" Mayar Yahia with his Vauxhall Corsa before dragging her underneath his vehicle as he attempted to flee the scene in Highgate, Birmingham, on April 14, 2024.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Tavener, who had been smoking cannabis and was on his phone at the time of the accident, was also uninsured. Mayar was walking along the pavement with her family when Tavener collided with another car, hurtled past a barrier, and crashed into a group of pedestrians. The four-year-old tragically died at the roadside, while her mother, Sara, and a neighbour sustained serious injuries.
After the collision, Tavener fled but returned on foot thirty minutes later, where he was arrested. He provided a positive roadside test for cannabis but refused to give a blood sample, later claiming he had smoked the drug after the accident and blaming the other driver for the incident.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Birmingham Crown Court, Tavener, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to causing Mayar's death by careless driving, causing death while uninsured, two charges of causing serious injury by driving, as well as assault and battery. He was jailed and disqualified from driving for five years.
Judge Peter Cooke described Tavener's actions as displaying "sickening callousness" and noted he was fortunate not to have been charged with causing death by reckless driving. The judge highlighted the "grotesque" aspect of the case, where Tavener dragged Mayar under his car in an attempt to drive off.
Aggravating Factors and Further Offences
Prosecutor Antonie Muller outlined several aggravating factors:
- Speeding in a 20mph zone
- Dangerous overtaking across a junction
- Being on the phone and under the influence of cannabis
- Leaving the scene and moving the car post-collision
Dash cam footage captured the crash on Upper Highgate Street. Tavener remained stationary for about nine seconds after hitting the pedestrians before reversing, which caused Mayar to be dragged with the car. He did not call for emergency services but instead phoned his girlfriend to arrange a taxi.
Additionally, while on bail over a month after the incident, Tavener assaulted his girlfriend during a holiday in Greece, punching her repeatedly and strangling her until she lost consciousness after she mentioned his involvement in the crash.
Impact on the Family and Community
In a heartfelt statement, Mayar's father, Babiker Yahia, expressed the family's profound grief: "Our lives changed forever. She was just four and taken away from us by reckless and irresponsible behaviour. Maya was cheerful and bright and brought happiness. It was the most painful experience of our lives."
Mayar suffered skull fractures and intercranial injuries, while her mother required surgery for a displaced fracture of her left shin and remained in Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital until May 9. The tragedy has shocked the local community, prompting calls for improved road safety measures and tougher enforcement against negligent drivers.
Investigation and Remembrance
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes from the serious collision investigation unit emphasised: "Mayar was just four years old when her life was tragically taken away. Pedestrians should be reassured of protection when walking on the pavement, and a split-second decision by Tavener to overtake where he did has led to this tragic chain of events."
The family paid tribute to Mayar, describing her as an extraordinary child full of love and kindness, hoping the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of driving safely and responsibly.
