Driver accused of racing Audi before fatal crash heard to say 'he is gone' as he filmed Leeds encounter
A driver accused of racing an Audi that went on to kill a mother and daughter filmed the encounter on his mobile phone.
Jasskamal Riyat was behind the wheel of a BMW and filmed the Audi TT RS taking off from traffic lights on Scott Hall Road at speed on the morning of January 16, 2023.
The Audi was travelling at more than twice the speed limit moments before it lost control, mounted the kerb and collided with Justyna Hulboj and four-year-old Lena Czepczor.
The Audi driver, Hardeep Bhachu, admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and is still on remand awaiting sentence.
But 37-year-old Riyat has denied the offences and is standing trial at Leeds Crown Court this week.
Dashcam footage from various commuters was played to the jury, as was footage found on Riyat’s phone.
He was heard to say: “Watch this guy. He is gone,” and appearing to laugh as the Audi accelerated away at extreme speed and with an audible roaring of the engine.
The Crown say that although Riyat did not crash, he is equally as responsible at Bhachu, claiming the pair were “egging each other on” along Scott Hall Road and racing at high speed.
At one point they stop alongside each other and speak through their open windows, discussing the Audi’s power.
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.”
The cars began to race from Potternewton Lane roundabout, heading down towards Leeds, the Crown says.
She said the Audi was travelling at 89mph seconds before the fatal crash.
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.
The trial, which is expected to last around four days, continues.