After a witness sketched their own image of the driver for police, authorities were able to identify the habitual offender who abandoned a guy to die after a traffic accident.
On December 17 of last year, Saleem Ahmed, 20, was riding a Yahama motorbike when Danny Smith, 44, of Manford Way, Chigwell, Essex, struck him while operating a grey Audi in Redbridge.
Saleem, who had just visited his brother in Romford and was on his way home, was attended to by bystanders and paramedics at the scene of the collision but tragically passed away there.
At about 9.20 p.m., detectives from the Metropolitan Police opened an inquiry into the deadly incident.
They discovered that the suspect car had been seen being driven erratically 30 minutes before the crash.
A witness’s own drawing of the car’s driver eventually proved to be crucial in identifying him.
Detectives from the Met Police had been looking into a number of burglary offences in a separate inquiry.
Smith entered the Havering house of an elderly woman under false pretences two days before the deadly traffic crash, saying that he had broken her fence and would want to restore it.
He forced her inside and intimidated her before robbing her of cash and other valuables.
He had gone to the house of an old man in Ilford on February 1, 2022, and used false pretences to enter before robbing the residence of some cash.
On February 5, police learned that a man had allegedly stolen a car from a Romford auto dealership while feigning interest in buying it.
Officers in Waltham Forest saw Smith driving recklessly on February 7. He made an effort to flee by backing into a police car when told to halt for officers.
Smith and a passenger in the car were stopped and taken into custody with the help of a dog unit.
Investigations showed that the car had fake licence plates and was the identical one that had been taken from the Romford dealership.
The drawing provided by the member of the public had an eerie likeness to Smith, which led investigators to realise after his arrest that he was also sought in connection with the deadly collision.
Smith entered a plea of guilty in court to a variety of offences, including causing death by unsafe driving, causing death by operating a vehicle when ineligible, and causing death by operating a vehicle without a valid licence or insurance.
In addition, he admitted guilt to counts of robbery, burglary, handling stolen goods, criminal damage to property with a value more than £5,000, and theft of a motor vehicle. He also admitted guilt to failing to stop after a traffic collision.
Finally, he confessed to reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle when ineligible, and operating a motor vehicle in violation of a licence.
On September 5, he was found guilty and given a 24 year jail term at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
Under a statement, Saleem’s family said: “My son was stolen in such horrific circumstances, that it will effect us all as a family, our friends, and our community for years to come.”
“I will always be grateful to the witnesses from the night of the tragedy for their assistance in soothing my son as he died away and for their assistance in bringing Danny Smith to justice.
The police have always provided our family with unmatched assistance.
Nothing can ever bring Saleem back, but at least we can rest easy knowing that a dangerous criminal is back where he belongs and can no longer destroy other people’s lives. My sweet son, you have our undying love.
Serious Collision Investigation Unit Detective Inspector Julie Trodden stated: “Saleem was greatly loved by his family and friends and well-liked by his coworkers.
“Saleem’s family has endured so much and has stood with us so resolutely throughout our inquiry and this legal proceeding. My condolences go out to them,” I said.
“I want to thank them for their bravery, patience, and fortitude, and I hope they understand that we did all we could to help them and Saleem.”
I would also want to express my gratitude to all the bystanders who came to Saleem’s aid the night of the incident.
I am certain that Saleem’s family would agree with this statement.
It is only possible to conclude that Smith’s actions were careless, risky, and completely preventable.
Smith was given a 24-year jail term in total, of which she must serve at least 12.
In addition, he received a 23-year, 5-month driving ban.