'Boy racer' thrown through sunroof during horror smash after treating Pudsey roads 'like a race track'
Witnesses said pair were treating roads like a Formula 1 racetrack before horrific smash
Two young drivers racing each other in high-powered cars caused a horror smash, resulting in one being ejected through the sunroof of his car.
The powerful, modified Audi S3 and the Seat Ibiza both “rolled several times” during the sickening smash on Stanningley Bypass near Pudsey.
Khakaan Younis and Adil Latif were both found guilty of dangerous driving following a trial at Leeds Crown Court and sentenced this week.
They judge said they were “clearly competing” and “showing off”.
During the trial several witnesses gave evidence, telling the jury that the cars were clearly racing at high speeds, were bumper-to-bumper then side-by-side on the evening of December 2, 2021, while “treating the roads like a race track”.
Another said they were “driving like Michael Schumacher” and it was “like watching Formula 1” with the roar of the powerful engines clearly heard.
A taxi driver gave evidence and said his car “shook” as he was overtaken, such was the speed the pair were travelling.
It almost ended in tragedy when they lost control near to the M&S store in Pudsey shortly before 10pm. They had been heading in the direction of Bradford.
Two female drivers in separate cars were struck during the crash. One lost consciousness and woke up to find herself covered in blood, fearing she was going to die. The other suffered psychological injuries.
Younis, 29, was not wearing a seatbelt and thrown through the sunroof of his blue Audi A3. He suffered multiple broken bones and collapsed lungs and required surgery. He spent time in hospital.
Both his Audi and Latif’s red Seat were written off.
Latif, 26, initially denied knowing Younis during his police interview, and claimed the crash was caused by one of the female drivers who pulled into a lane without looking.
Younis gave a prepared statement also blaming the female driver.
Latif, of Rochester Street , Bradford, has no previous convictions.
Younis, of Daleside Road, Pudsey, has a previous conviction for drug-driving in 2020. He tested positive for cannabis after driving at speed on Stanningley Bypass.
It was heard he had also since received points and fines for speeding and using a mobile phone while driving.
Mitigating for Younis, Ian Hudson said despite his driving misdemeanours, it was his first “serious” driving offence.
For Latif, Verity Barnes said he had “real understanding of the impact” and is remorseful.
But Judge Simon Phillips KC told the pair their evidence during the trial was “neither reliable or accurate nor honest”.
He added: “It was entirely avoidable. It arose entirely because of the dangerous driving and racing that day.
“You were competing against each other as drivers and in all probability, showing off.”
He handed them both a suspended sentence, and said there was “one feature alone” that kept them out of prison - the length of time it had taken to reach court.
Younis was given a 24-month sentence, suspended for 24 months, with 200 hours of unpaid work to complete and 25 rehabilitation days.
Latif was given 21 months’ jail, suspended for 24 months, with 180 hours of work and 10 rehabilitation days.
Younis received a four-year driving ban, with Latif given a three-year ban. Both will need to take extended driving tests to get their licences back.