Latest news with #jailed
The Independent
3 days ago
- The Independent
Driver who killed mum and daughter in 84mph Boxing Day crash jailed for 13 years
A driver who killed a mother and her daughter on Boxing Day while racing another car through traffic lights at up to 84mph has been jailed for 13 years and three months. Mohammed Ibrahim, 25, fled the scene after his BMW 420 – travelling 'in convoy' with a BMW X3 in a 30mph zone – crashed into a quad bike while overtaking, and then hit an MG car containing four generations of the same family. Birmingham Crown Court was told on Wednesday that Amanda Riley, 49, and Linda Philips, 72, both died at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics to save them at the roadside in the Shard End area of the city. Four other family members travelling in the MG suffered injuries, including a fractured sternum, a broken leg requiring surgery and bruising to the lungs. Passing sentence, Judge Paul Farrer KC said passer-by Stuart Bates had courageously helped passengers escape from the burning MG and 'may well have saved three lives'. The judge, who ordered that Mr Bates receive £300 from public funds, also imposed a driving ban on Ibrahim of 18 years and nine months. The judge said of the defendant's claim to have no meaningful memory of the crash: 'Despite your claim to the contrary, you obviously knew what you had done.' The judge said Ibrahim's speed and driving had been 'grossly irresponsible' and showed a disregard for the obvious risks to others. Among four aggravating features of the case, the judge said, was the fact Ibrahim had a passenger and had failed to remain at the scene in circumstances where he must have known he had caused a 'catastrophic' accident. But the judge added: 'I accept that the actions of the unidentified rider of the quad bike made a significant contribution to what happened and treat that as representing significant mitigation.' Describing the circumstances of the crash at Ibrahim's sentencing hearing, prosecutor Philip Vollans said the victims were travelling home from family celebrations on the evening of December 26 2023. Before showing video footage to the sentencing judge of Ibrahim's car speeding past a bus towards the crash site on Meadway, at its junction with Kitt's Green Road, Mr Vollans said the driver of the BMW X3 had never been traced. Mr Vollans said of the two BMWs: 'Both cars were speeding, both cars racing each other. 'The defendant was the faster driver of the two.' Estimating that Ibrahim was speeding for at least half a mile before the 'tremendous' impact, reaching 80-84mph, Mr Vollans added that the quad bike had run a red light. Ibrahim, of Old College Road, Sheldon, crashed into the MG as it slowed down on the opposite carriageway, the court heard. The driver's seat of the MG was knocked out of its fixings and it caught fire, leaving its occupants trapped. A witness saw Ibrahim, who was saying 'I need to go', lying on the ground near the driver's side of the BMW before he left the scene. His car was also on fire following the crash, the court heard. Three relatives of the victims, including the driver of the car, read victim impact statements to the court, with one describing those killed as having 'died fighting for their lives, lying on a cold roadside, scared and in tremendous pain'. Ibrahim pleaded guilty earlier this year to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Senior Crown Prosecutor Neelam Shafiq, of CPS West Midlands, said of the defendant: 'His reckless actions resulted in the untimely deaths of a much-loved mother and daughter and have caused unimaginable pain for their family. 'Nothing can undo the tragedy suffered by the family of Linda Phillips and Amanda Riley and we extend our sympathies to them. 'We hope this sentence sends a clear message that dangerous driving will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.'
Arab News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistani PM's aide warns Imran Khan's party against stirring ‘instability' with protest drive
ISLAMABAD: A top political adviser to Pakistan's prime minister on Monday warned jailed former premier Imran Khan's political party against inciting unrest during a newly announced protest movement to demand his release, as political tensions in the country continue to intensify. Khan, who was ousted from office in a parliamentary vote in April 2022, has been jailed for nearly two years on multiple charges, which he and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party insist are politically motivated. PTI currently holds power in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and has previously led a number of protest marches toward the capital, Islamabad. On July 13, PTI launched its latest agitation campaign, describing it as a 90-day 'do-or-die' protest. The announcement followed the suspension of 26 PTI lawmakers in Punjab and the Supreme Court's rejection of the party's bid to reclaim reserved parliamentary seats for minorities and women. 'They have now planned a program lasting over 90 days. In this, if they remain peaceful, it's fine, it's their democratic right,' Rana Sanaullah, adviser to the prime minister on political and public affairs, said in an interview with a local news channel. 'And if they take the law in their hands and try to create instability in the country then definitely the law will take its course.' Sanaullah also accused Khan's party of bypassing the government and seeking intervention from the military, commonly referred to in Pakistan as 'the establishment.' 'They did not talk about speaking with the government [to resolve their issues],' he added. 'They want to speak to the establishment, they are trying to straighten out their affairs through them.' The latest protest drive was finalized at a meeting in Lahore on July 12, attended by PTI leader and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur who alleged that the PTI was being denied its right to peaceful protest. He vowed that the party would mobilize supporters nationwide before marching toward the capital. Earlier this month, Khan's sister announced that his sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, would join the protest campaign in Pakistan after returning from the United States, where they will seek to raise awareness about alleged human rights violations against Khan and his party. PTI has organized a series of nationwide demonstrations since last year, calling for Khan's release and an independent investigation into the February 2024 general elections. During one such protest in November 2024, the government said four security personnel were killed in clashes with Khan supporters, an allegation PTI denies. The government maintains that the 2024 elections were free and fair and accuses the PTI of undermining democratic processes and causing economic stability through confrontational tactics. Pakistan's military, long a powerful force in national politics, denies accusations of political interference or any role in Khan's ouster or imprisonment.
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
British teenager jailed in Dubai for sex with fellow UK tourist is HOME after being freed following royal pardon
A British teenager jailed in Dubai for having sex with a fellow UK tourist he met on holiday has been released from a hellhole prison after seven months, it was revealed today. Campaign group Detained in Dubai has said Marcus Fakana, 19, received a royal pardon from Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Mr Fakana, from Tottenham, north London, returned to the UK last Thursday following his jail time in the United Arab Emirates. Marcus was arrested and imprisoned last year over a consensual holiday relationship with another British tourist who was just a few months younger than himself - a fact he was not aware of at the time. The girl was one month away from turning 18, but sex with anyone under the age of 18 is an offence in the Gulf state. They met when both their families were staying at a luxury hotel. The girl's mother reported Marcus - who was aged 18 at the time - to the UAE authorities after seeing messages between the two when she had returned to the UK. His case drew widespread attention and outrage, highlighting the UAE's harsh laws that criminalise personal relationships and critics say disproportionately target foreign nationals. Radha Stirling, CEO of campaign group Detained in Dubai, told MailOnline that his freedom from Al Awir Prison had come a few weeks after an application for a Royal pardon. 'Marcus should never have been put through this,' she said. 'He was supposed to spend a short few days with his family but ended up spending nearly a year in the tourist destination. 'We are thrilled that after an intensive campaign, he was officially pardoned and is home safe, surrounded by those who love him.' His release follows sustained pressure from Detained in Dubai's legal and advocacy teams, as well as public support, behind-the-scenes diplomatic discussions and a royal pardon application. The family confirmed his arrival and expressed immense gratitude for the support received throughout the campaign. She added: 'This was an extraordinary young man caught in a deeply unjust system. We thank everyone who stood by Marcus and helped bring him home.' 'Marcus is back where he belongs, but no one should have to endure this. 'We hope his story will prompt serious reconsideration of the UK's travel advice and its engagement with the UAE on human rights issues. Dubai could have chosen to fine and to deport him. 'Instead, the 18 year old was sentenced to one year in prison. The impact on his life has been severe and there was no need for him to endure such trauma'. Detained in Dubai has long criticised the UAE for having double standards, saying 'foreign visitors are treated as hardened criminals for the pettiest of conduct, while Emiratis and Gulf nationals involved in serious sex related crime and prostitution are given a free pass.' Detained in Dubai has helped more than 25,000 foreigners facing legal issues abroad over the past 18 years and continues to call for urgent reform of laws that routinely entrap and criminalise innocent visitors to the UAE. The organisation continues to support individuals facing legal jeopardy in the Gulf region and has assisted over 25,000 people in cases involving wrongful detention, travel risks, and legal abuse. Last month, as Marcus appealed for a pardon, Stirling said: 'This has been the most traumatic and life-altering experience imaginable for Marcus. 'He is barely an adult himself, and never intended to break any law. What happened was legal in the UK and consensual. But now he is facing permanent damage to his mental health and future prospects because of it.' She said Marcus was only able to call his family sporadically for short periods, adding that the isolation had been mentally and emotionally devastating for both him and his loved ones. His parents had been urgently appealing to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the British Embassy in Dubai for assistance in advocating for his release. 'If Marcus could go back in time, he would,' added Stirling. 'He has shown remorse and fully respects the laws of the UAE. He only hopes the government will show compassion and allow him to return home to rebuild his life. He's very young and this is a heart-breaking way to begin adulthood.' 'We are thrilled that after an intensive campaign, he was officially pardoned and is home safe, surrounded by those who love him. 'This was an extraordinary young man caught in a deeply unjust system. We thank everyone who stood by Marcus and helped bring him home.' She added: 'Marcus is back where he belongs but no one should have to endure this. He was 18 at the time and the British woman involved is now 18 too, a fact she did not divulge to him at the time. 'We hope his story will prompt serious reconsideration of the UK's travel advice and its engagement with the UAE on human rights issues. Dubai could have chosen to fine and to deport him. Instead, the 18 year old was sentenced to one year in prison. 'The impact on his life has been severe and there was no need for him to endure such trauma'. Detained in Dubai has long criticised the UAE for having double standards, saying 'foreign visitors are treated as hardened criminals for the pettiest of conduct, while Emiratis and Gulf nationals involved in serious sex related crime and prostitution are given a free pass.' Detained in Dubai has helped more than 25,000 foreigners facing legal issues abroad over the past 18 years and continues to call for urgent reform of laws that routinely entrap and criminalise innocent visitors to the UAE. The organisation continues to support individuals facing legal jeopardy in the Gulf region and has assisted over 25,000 people in cases involving wrongful detention, travel risks, and legal abuse. Last month, as Marcus appealed for a pardon, Stirling said: 'This has been the most traumatic and life-altering experience imaginable for Marcus. 'He is barely an adult himself, and never intended to break any law. What happened was legal in the UK and consensual. But now he is facing permanent damage to his mental health and future prospects because of it.' She said Marcus was only able to call his family sporadically for short periods, adding that the isolation had been mentally and emotionally devastating for both him and his loved ones. His parents had been urgently appealing to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the British Embassy in Dubai for assistance in advocating for his release. 'If Marcus could go back in time, he would,' added Stirling. 'He has shown remorse and fully respects the laws of the UAE. He only hopes the government will show compassion and allow him to return home to rebuild his life. He's very young and this is a heart-breaking way to begin adulthood.' Last December MailOnline revealed that the holiday romance between Marcus and the 17-year-old girl, just a few months short of her 18th birthday, began in the £210-a-night Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, where their families were both staying. After the girl and her family returned to the UK, her mother reported Marcus to the Dubai authorities after finding birth control pills in her daughter's luggage, according to legal documents seen by the Mail. Initially, Marcus was accused of rape, but was only cleared when police reviewed hotel CCTV footage which showed the girl going into his hotel bedroom at 4am. It is not clear whether the accusation of rape originally came from the girl's mother or was due to a misunderstanding or mistranslation by police officers, but the term 'raped by force' in Arabic appeared on the initial police report. Although never charged with rape, the fact that the girl was 17 put her under Dubai's age of sexual consent and Marcus was convicted of having under-age sex. His ordeal began in late August when the girl's mother – who MailOnline isn't naming – discovered birth control pills in her daughter's luggage when they returned home from a luxury break in the Gulf state. Apprentice builder Marcus was arrested when officers swooped on his hotel at 7.30pm on August 31 while he was still on holiday. He told officers he'd had consensual sex with the girl on three occasions. His version of events was backed up when officers viewed the CCTV footage of the pair. When he was sentenced last December, Marcus told how he was 'shocked beyond belief' by the year-long sentence handed out for having consensual sex with the girl, without her parents' knowledge. In records of the court hearing obtained by MailOnline the chief investigator told the court that the initial complaint from the girl's mother was passed to the Dubai authorities by the British Embassy, but the Foreign Office later denied this. The prosecutor told the court: 'We were informed that we received a complaint via the Dubai Police application, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating that they received notification from the British Embassy regarding a complaint filed by [name redacted] stating that her daughter, 17 years old, was subjected to forced indecent assault by the aforementioned accused [delete while they were staying at the Hilton Palm Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai.' A Foreign Office spokesperson told MailOnline at the time: 'The British Embassy Dubai was not involved in reporting any offence to the UAE authorities. 'They have informed the UAE authorities of the error in their records and all other interested parties are also aware.' According to an official report of the court hearing in Dubai, which is closed to the public – and even Marcus as the defendant had to wait outside, he told investigators that sex 'was with the victim's consent and without violence or coercion from him, and that the victim was the one who came to him and asked to have sex with her. 'And upon reviewing the surveillance camera recordings, it was found that she had indeed entered his hotel room.' In December human rights lawyer David Haigh, who is advising the Fakana family, warned that Fakana could have his sentence increased to up to 20 years. Speaking exclusively to The Mail on Sunday, Haigh said: 'The maximum sentence for a case like this is 20 years. 'It is always seen that the prosecutor really decides the sentence, but this was a low one for them. The worry is that they will not want to let this go and look weak. They may want to show they have fully upheld the law to everyone watching. Marcus will play almost no part in any prosecution appeal. 'He won't be allowed to talk or address the judge and everything will be in Arabic anyway. There won't be a translator. He'll probably be pushed into court for a minute and then pushed straight out again.' He added: 'The days ahead are fraught with difficulty.' Haigh had said at the time the main hope was that the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, would respond to Fakana's fresh plea to be pardoned by authorities and deported rather than locked up.
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Martin Gunn: A correction
An article headlined 'Stalker, 51, who moved next door to a businesswoman he met on Hinge and imitated her life by buying the same dog and car is jailed for 20 months' (29 July 2024) said that, in May 2023, Martin Gunn moved next door to his victim. He in fact moved to a property on a nearby street. This correction has been published following an upheld ruling by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. To report an inaccuracy, please email corrections@ To make a formal complaint under IPSO rules please go to where you will find an easy-to-use complaints form. You can also write to Readers' Editor, MailOnline, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or contact IPSO directly at
CNA
20-06-2025
- CNA
Serial rapist Zou Zhenhao jailed for life in UK
Scroll up for the next video X Serial rapist Zou Zhenhao jailed for life in UK
