Driver 'can't escape responsibility' for death of mum and daughter on Leeds road, jury told

A driver accused of racing another man who killed a mum and daughter walking to school “needs to take responsibility”, a court was told this afternoon.

Jasskamal Riyat, who was behind the wheel of a powerful black BMW M135i, denies he was racing the Audi which lost control on Scott Hall Road on the morning of January 16, 2023.

The Audi was travelling at nearly 90mph on the 40mph road just moments before it lost control and 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.

In an opening speech, prosecutor Carmel Pearson told the jury: “Just because he [Riyat] did not crash, this does not mean he escapes responsibility for these deaths.

“He was also driving dangerously on that road. It’s the prosecution’s case that they both drove dangerously at speeds that outstripped other road users, weaving in and out of traffic close to each other and other cars.

“Neither driver showed regard to other road users and those more vulnerable - pedestrians.

“They were racing and competitive.”

Ms Pearson later told the jury: “This was not just an unspeakable tragedy, but an entirely foreseeable event.”

Footage from inside Riyat’s car was played to the jury which showed him and Bhachu communicating through their windows as they waited at traffic lights, appearing to congratulate each other on the power of their respective cars.

Riyat could be heard laughing as the Audi accelerated away and was heard to say: “He is gone”.

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.

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Riyat continued to film the crashed car as he passed by and left the scene, going to work.

Bhachu and Riyat were not charged until May, 2023.

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, maintains he was not driving dangerously.

The trial continues and is expected to be completed by the end of the week.