Van Driver Pleads Guilty to Killing Student in Central London Collision
A van driver has admitted causing the death of a promising university student after a devastating crash on one of London's busiest streets. Christopher Jackson, aged 27 and from Southampton, appeared at the Old Bailey today where he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing injury by dangerous driving.
Tragic Incident on The Strand
The court heard how Jackson's van collided with a metal gate, knocking it from its hinges, before striking a bench where Aalia Mahomed was sitting. The 20-year-old King's College London student, who was in her second year studying for a BSc in physics and philosophy, died from her injuries following the incident last March on The Strand in central London.
Two other individuals, Irem Yoldas and Yamin Belmessous, were injured during the same collision. Jackson entered his guilty pleas with a sombre expression, keeping his head bowed and looking towards the floor for most of the hearing.
Family's Anxiety and Sentencing Timeline
Prosecutor Fiona Robertson informed the court that Ms Mahomed's family and the two surviving victims were particularly anxious for Jackson to be sentenced before the anniversary of the tragic incident on March 18. Judge Philip Katz KC responded by stating that Jackson was "inevitably going to be a substantial custodial sentence."
Defence barrister Jessica Clarke told the court that Jackson has three young children with his fiancé and has been attempting to earn as much money as possible for his family ahead of sentencing. She emphasised that unlike many dangerous driving cases involving excessive speed, alcohol or drugs, this represented "a tragic accident" without those factors.
Jackson has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on March 6, just twelve days before the first anniversary of the fatal crash.
Community Mourning and Lasting Tributes
Following the tragedy last March, hundreds gathered for a candlelit vigil outside King's College London to honour Aalia Mahomed's memory. Attendees wore her favourite colour, green, and left flowers, messages and tributes along The Strand.
Her brother Zain spoke emotionally at the vigil, saying "I would give anything for one more day with her. She will never get to be the cool aunt or the cat lady she joked about being. She was a hero, my hero."
Friends remembered her vibrant personality, with Shivanjaly Varathan describing her as "so full of life, it was infectious" and Aleena George recalling "She had the best smile. When I think of her, she has that smile."
Other tributes came from sixth form friend Janelle De Sagun, who said "I really looked up to her. I was like a puppy that followed her. She had this kindness and warmth that was contagious," and friend Joseph Knight, who noted "Words are simply not sufficient to describe what Aalia meant to us."
Posthumous Recognition and Family Statement
In a lasting tribute to their student, King's College London awarded Aalia Mahomed a posthumous degree during the summer, unveiling a cherry blossom tree and plaque in her memory on campus.
Her family released a statement at the time of her death, remembering her as "a bright, kind and beautiful soul, who brought joy and laughter to everyone. She was a ray of sunshine in our lives and will be deeply missed by all her family and friends. Her light will always live on in our memories and her smile will be our strength as we get through this difficult time."
