Leeds BMW driver 'was racing' Audi TT that killed mother and daughter on their way to nursery, court told
The driver of a powerful BMW was “racing” an Audi TT which ploughed into a mother and daughter, killing them both, a court has been told.
Jasskamal Riyat, who was behind the wheel of a black BMW M135i, denies he was in competition with the Audi which lost control on Scott Hall Road on the morning of January 16, 2023.
The Audi was travelling at nearly 90mph moments before it collided with Justyna Hulboj and four-year-old Lena Czepczor.
The driver, Hardeep Bhachu, has admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and is awaiting sentence.
But 37-year-old Riyat has denied the same offences. He is standing trial at Leeds Crown Court this week.
Opening the case for the Crown this morning, prosecutor Carmel Pearson told the jury: “Just because this defendant did not crash his car, it does not mean he escapes responsibility.
“The two men are responsible, the Crown says.
“Together they drove dangerously at speed that outstripped other road users. They were jointly driving in and out traffic, breaking heavily.
“Neither driver showed any regard for other road users or more vulnerable pedestrians.
“They were racing and driving competitively.”
Ms Pearson said the pair were both “egging each other on” moments before the Audi lost control, and despite not knowing each other, even shouted through their windows while waiting at lights, boasting and congratulating each other about their powerful cars.
She said the Audi was travelling at 89mph seconds before the fatal crash, and the BMW was behind him, matching his speed.
The cars began to race from Potternewton Lane roundabout, heading down towards Leeds, the Crown says.
Mrs Hulboj, 27, had been walking with four-year-old Lena along Scott Hall Road, near to the Land Rover and Jaguar garage, at around 8.30am that morning on their way to nursery.
The white Audi TT hit a kerb and lost control, mounting the pavement and hitting the mother and daughter, close to the dealership.
Bhachu, of Grant Row, Adel, admitted guilt and asked to be remanded into custody to “take responsibility” and “begin serving the inevitable sentence”.
Riyat, of Buckstone Avenue, Moortown, “denied any suggestion that his driving was dangerous”, Ms Pearson said.
The trial continues.