Taxi Driver Sentenced to Nine Years for Deliberate Vehicle Attack on Family
A taxi driver who inflicted life-altering injuries on a grandfather by intentionally ploughing his vehicle into a family has been handed a nine-year prison sentence. Hasan Mohammed, aged 26, was convicted at Newcastle Crown Court for a terrifying act of road rage that left the victim requiring a prosthetic shoulder and suffering multiple fractures.
The Nightmare Unfolds on Brighton Grove
The horrific incident occurred on September 14 last year, after the family had enjoyed a meal at the Persian Bite restaurant on Brighton Grove. As they crossed the street, a member of the group reportedly threw a lollipop, which had been given as a treat at the restaurant, at Mohammed's passing car in frustration over his speed. Instead of continuing on his way, Mohammed performed a U-turn and accelerated to 33mph in a 30mph zone, targeting the group with his 1.5-tonne Skoda.
Prosecutor Emma Dowling told the court that Mohammed refused to brake as he bore down on the family, which included a very young child. She stated, 'The three complainants were crossing the road when the defendant drove his vehicle deliberately at them at speed and caused significant injuries.' The impact was devastating, with the grandfather sustaining injuries that have shattered his health, while the rest of the family were left deeply traumatised by what was described as a 'deliberate' act of road rage.
Life-Changing Injuries and Emotional Trauma
The grandfather suffered catastrophic injuries, including a dislocated and fractured shoulder that was broken in so many places it required a shoulder replacement operation. His left leg was broken in two places, his spine was fractured in two locations, and he experienced bleeding to his abdomen. In a poignant victim impact statement, he revealed the profound consequences of the attack.
'It's had a profound and lasting impact on every aspect of my life,' he said. 'What began as a normal evening out with my family ended in something that changed my life forever. We were crossing the road, including with my one-year-old grandson, when a car approached at speed. I remember how quickly everything happened.'
He described how, after a brief altercation, Mohammed turned his car around and drove directly at them, leaving no time to protect himself. 'This was not an accident, it was a deliberate decision. We now live with the consequence of that decision every day.' The victim, who had worked hard to build businesses and provide for his family, is now unable to run them due to his injuries.
'My body no longer does what it should do. I can't lift my arms properly,' he explained. 'I now have to rely on my wife to help with basic tasks such as dressing and washing. I find this humiliating. I can no longer drive, I can't simply go to the shops, I can't leave the house independently. I'm no longer able to be the grandfather I once was. I can't pick them up or take them out on my own.'
His daughter added to the emotional testimony, stating, 'What should have been a normal family outing turned into a nightmare.' She spoke of the 'moment of horror' as her father lay badly injured in front of her and her young son after what she called a 'calculated and deliberate' act of violence. 'We've had to watch my father become a completely different person and a shell of himself,' she said.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Judge Edward Bindloss addressed the court, noting that there had been an 'inciting act' when someone threw a sweet or lollipop at the taxi. However, he emphasised, 'This was a road rage attack. You said to the jury you reacted in anger. You reacted in temper and turned your car around and drove in the way I've set out.' The judge clarified that this was road rage, not revenge, as the injured man had done nothing to provoke such a violent response.
Mohammed, of Kingsley Terrace in Newcastle, had finished his shift as a taxi driver and was heading home when he decided to turn his vehicle into what was described as a 'battering ram'. He was found guilty after a trial of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of attempting to cause GBH with intent. He pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
In addition to the nine-year jail term, Mohammed was banned from driving for 12 and a half years. The court heard that he has no previous convictions and that his behaviour was out of character, with references describing him as softly spoken, gentle, polite, and respectful. He expressed remorse for his actions and has become withdrawn, undergoing what were described as 'painful changes'. Prior to working as a taxi driver for two years, Mohammed had roles as a chef, carer, and for Amazon.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of road rage, highlighting how a single moment of anger can irrevocably alter lives and leave families grappling with trauma and loss.
