A man who fraudulently posed as a legal expert on TikTok has been sentenced to prison after causing a catastrophic collision that claimed the life of a 77-year-old grandfather.
Mohammed Abdul Hakeem, 31, built an online following by offering legal advice despite having no legitimate qualifications. His dangerous driving on Birmingham's streets led to tragedy when he collided with another vehicle, resulting in the death of retired factory worker Anthony Wilson.
The Fatal Incident
The court heard how Hakeem was driving a Volkswagen Golf when he attempted to overtake another vehicle on College Road in Kingstanding. In a reckless manoeuvre, he lost control and smashed into Mr Wilson's Nissan Micra head-on.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, Mr Wilson succumbed to his injuries in hospital. The beloved grandfather, described by his family as "the rock of our family," never recovered from the extensive injuries sustained in the crash.
Deception Uncovered
Investigations revealed Hakeem's elaborate online deception. Operating under the username @motoringlawyer, he had amassed thousands of followers on TikTok by presenting himself as a qualified legal professional.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes of West Midlands Police stated: "This case highlights the dangers of both dangerous driving and online impersonation. Hakeem not only destroyed a family through his driving but also betrayed the trust of those seeking genuine legal advice."
Court Sentencing
At Birmingham Crown Court, Hakeem pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. The judge sentenced him to six years in prison and banned him from driving for eight years.
In a victim impact statement, Mr Wilson's family described their profound loss: "Anthony was a kind, gentle man who had so much life left to live. His absence has left a void in our lives that can never be filled."
The case serves as a stark warning about the consequences of both dangerous driving and the growing trend of unqualified individuals posing as experts on social media platforms.
