A BMW driver accused of racing an Audi TT before a 90mph crash that killed a mother and her daughter as they walked to nursery has denied causing death by dangerous driving.
Justyna Hulboj, 27, and four-year-old Lena Czepczor were hit by the Audi as they walked along the pavement on Scott Hall Road in Leeds, West Yorkshire, on January 16, 2023.
Jasskamal Riyat, 37, who was behind the wheel of a powerful black BMW M135i, denies he was racing the Audi.
The Audi was traveling at almost 90mph on the 60mph road just before it lost control and collided with Justyna and Lena, Leeds Crown Court heard.
The Audi driver, Hardeep Bhachu, has admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and has yet to be sentenced. Riyat denies the same violations.
Prosecutor Carmel Pearson told the jury: “Just because he [Riyat] did not crash, this does not mean that he escapes responsibility for these deaths.
‘He also drove dangerously on that road. Prosecutors say they both drove dangerously at speeds higher than other road users, driving in and out of traffic close to each other and other cars.
‘Neither driver showed respect for other road users and those who are more vulnerable: pedestrians.
Jasskamal Riyat, 37, was driving a gray BMW 135i when he reportedly chose to race Hardeep Bhachu
Justyna Hulboj, 27, and four-year-old Lena Czepczor were killed in the collision while on their way to daycare
Although Riyat did not crash his car, prosecutors say he is equally responsible for the crash
“They were racing and competitive.”
Ms Pearson later told the jury: ‘This was not only an unspeakable tragedy, but a completely foreseeable event.’
Footage from Riyat’s car was played to the jury, showing him and Bhachu communicating through their windows as they waited at traffic lights and appearing to congratulate each other on the power of their respective cars.
Riyat could be heard laughing as the Audi drove away and saying, “He’s gone.”
The cars reportedly started racing from the Potternewton Lane roundabout, towards Leeds city centre.
Justyna and Lena were walking along Scott Hall Road, near the Land Rover and Jaguar dealership, on their way to daycare around 8:30 that morning.
The white Audi TT hit a curb and lost control, mounted the sidewalk and hit the mother and daughter near the dealership.
Police at the scene of the crash that killed two pedestrians on Scott Hall Road, Leeds
Flowers and teddy bears at the scene of the fatal accident that killed mother and daughter
Riyat continued to film the crashed car as he passed by and left the scene to go to work.
Bhachu and Riyat were not charged until May 2023.
Bhachu, from Adel, admitted guilt and asked to be remanded in custody to ‘take responsibility’ and ‘serve the inevitable sentence’.
Riyat, from Moortown, claims he was not driving dangerously.
The process continues and is expected to be completed by the end of this week.
