Skip to main content
Legal news

Learner driver jailed after killing Leeds girl

Jonathan Winston Jonathan Winston
2 min read

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has said a jail sentence of two years for a learner driver on her first lesson, sends out a strong message to those learning to drive, that they have a responsibility to the people around them.

Mr Justice Openshaw, at Leeds Crown Court, on passing sentence, said that Beatrice Mawamba had been “profoundly ignorant” of the most basic driving skills, being unaware even of putting a car into gear and not being able to find the brake pedal. He said that a custodial sentence was necessary to show that it is anti-social to drive a car without having any idea how to control it.

The court heard that Mrs Mawamba had only had online theory lessons but had never actually driven a car when she went out with her husband in Chapeltown, Leeds at the end of May. Being unable to find the brake she lost control and the car went down an alley where it killed nine-year-old Shamirah Grant and injured two other girls, one seriously.

Mawamba admitted to causing death by dangerous driving and, as well as the two years imprisonment, was banned for driving for five years and will have to take an extended test when the ban elapses.

A spokeswoman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said that the horrendous case proves how dangerous a car can be when it is in the wrong hands. She said that, before starting private practice lessons, a learner should have mastered basic car control skills.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/dec/21/learner-driver-jailed-killing-girl

 

Client feedback

I recently updated my will with Winston Solicitors. Emily was very helpful and professional. She explained everything I needed to know very clearly and addressed any questions I had . The service was excellent
Ann
Great experience and consistent feedback
Alexander
Good communication, clear emails, good attention to detail reacted quickly to problems.. We have used twice now and would certainly use her again as a convincing solicitor. Much better than other we have used in the past.
Rachel
The service from Sam and Paolo has been exceptional - timely, responsive and efficient through a highly stressful house purchase (no fault of theirs!) and we would highly recommend them both to anyone!
Mr & M
I recenlty contacted Winstons Solicitors to assist with a appeal for my mother with the ICB regarding a continuing health care assessment. James Urquart Burton assited me with the process. He was exteremely helpful and understanding. James provided an indepth analysis and assesssment and was present at the appeal to assist me and advocate for my mother. Jame's work is diligent, professional and he is really responsive to any questions and queries. I highly recommned contacting James to help and assist with any appeals for Continuing Healthcare and Decision Support Tool reviews
Angela
Excelent service
Angus
Amr and Joe at Winston Solicitors were great for the purchase of our new home. Being transparent with communication and providing updates when needed.
Anonymous
Quick and simple service
Jacob
Contact Jonathan