Defendant makes first court appearance charged with murder over death of 34-year-old man hit by car in Headingley

A man charged with murder following the death of a man who was run over by a car in Leeds has appeared in court for the first time.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Mohammed Fike Butt, 31, appeared before Leeds Magistrates Court today (September 17) charged with the murder of Jason Llanwarne,

Mr Llanwarne died in hospital after being critically injured in the incident in North Lane, Headingley, on Monday night (September 14)

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Butt is also charged with the attempted murder of two other men, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Crime scene on North Lane, HeadingleyCrime scene on North Lane, Headingley
Crime scene on North Lane, Headingley

The defendant appeared before the court for a brief hearing.

No charges were put to him and the case was committed to Leeds Crown Court, where he will next appear on Monday September 21.

Butt was returned to custody after the hearing.

Two other men, who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, have been released without charge.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A large crime scene was put in place in North Lane after the incident as forensic investigations were carried out.

The car involved in the incident was identified as a grey Mazda 3 Sport five-door saloon.Detective Chief Inspector Tony Nicholson, of West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said after the incident on Monday: “We are treating this incident very seriously and carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances.

“While our enquiries are still at a relatively early stage, we believe this has been a targeted attack on the victim resulting from the altercation in the street shortly before.

“We have already spoken to a number of people who witnessed the incident but we would still like to hear from anyone who saw any part of it, particularly anyone who may have filmed it on their phones or who was driving in the area and has any relevant dashcam footage that could assist the investigation.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Detectives from West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are still keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, particularly those with any relevant phone or dashcam footage, or anyone who has any information that could assist the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact HMET via 101 quoting Operation Pestlebourne, reference 13200462585, or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.