The father of a 16-year-old boy killed by a driver who deliberately targeted e-bike riders has paid an emotional tribute, describing his son as an 'entirely innocent boy' who came to the UK 'for a better life'. Abdullah Yaser Abdullah Taleb was walking along Staniforth Road in Sheffield in June 2025 when he was struck and killed by a grey Audi driven by 21-year-old Zulkernain Ahmed.
Father's Heartbreaking Statement
In a statement read out at Sheffield Crown Court, Abdullah's father, Yaser Abdullah Taleb Al Yazidi, said his son was an 'optimistic person' who 'loved life and loved people'. He explained that the family had fled war-torn Yemen in search of safety, and Abdullah was eager to learn and integrate into his new community. 'He was very intelligent, always smiling, quick to learn and loved by everyone. He was a pillar of the family,' Mr Al Yazidi said.
The father added that Abdullah's mother is now 'in a state of complete collapse' and rarely leaves the house, while his sisters have 'lost trust in the community'. He also noted that more children could have died had the incident occurred at school leaving time.
The Incident and Conviction
Ahmed was convicted of murder after CCTV footage showed his car swerving onto the wrong side of the road to target a group of e-bikes and mopeds following a dispute. The court heard that Ahmed had taken a baseball bat with him and was looking for one of the riders, La'rome Divers. Abdullah was described as being 'in the wrong place at the wrong time'.
Ahmed was also found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Divers and attempting to cause harm to two other riders. His brother, Armaan Ahmed, 27, a back-seat passenger, was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm.
Apology and Sentencing
In an apology letter read at court, Zulkernain Ahmed expressed regret, saying he was 'sorry from the bottom of my heart' and that he 'cries every night knowing it was me'. The brothers are due to be sentenced on the anniversary of Abdullah's death.
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Wood of South Yorkshire Police described Abdullah as 'an entirely innocent boy who tragically lost his life'. A third brother, Zain Ahmed, who was a front-seat passenger, has not been traced.
