Before video showed that he had lied about his actions, an unrepentant driver who ran a red light and then struck a nine-year-old girl as she was crossing the street originally blamed the child for the accident.
Two-time father Today, Qadeer Hussain, 55, received an eight-year, four-month prison sentence for driving recklessly and killing Alice Williams.
On July 8, 2023, the child was heading to a summer celebration with her mother and six-year-old brother, Joseph, when they came to a crossing at Kings Cross Road in Halifax.
However, Hussain made a last-ditch effort to run the red light by accelerating by 20 mph over the speed limit as the lights changed and other vehicles slowed down.
He didn’t notice the family had started crossing the street when he was doing this.
Hussain’s black Vauxhall Corsa, which was driving towards the town centre, struck Alice, who was a few paces ahead of the others.
After being critically injured and admitted to the hospital, the young girl died a few days later.
According to the Halifax Examiner, Hussain of Essex Street, Halifax, first tried to downplay his infraction by claiming he had been driving lawfully and blaming the young girl for rushing into the road.
However, police-obtained dashcam evidence revealed that Hussain was travelling at about 49 mph when the traffic lights had already turned red.
James Lake for the prosecution said, “It is the Crown’s case that the defendant made a deliberate decision to run the red light at high speed in the belief that nobody was crossing the road.”
In February, Hussain later acknowledged before Bradford Crown Court that he was responsible for the killing through reckless driving.
After his ‘aggressive and monstrous’ deed, Alice’s mother Claire informed him in court that she would ‘never be whole again.’
An impact statement from Alice’s younger brother, Joe, described Hussain as ‘mean’ and ‘bad’. He said, “If drivers speed they are mean and bad because they know they shouldn’t do it – it makes me feel very sad.”
His lengthy prison sentence and 10-year, 2-month driving ban were handed down to him on Friday.
In a statement, Alice’s family said, “Qadeer Hussain destroyed our daughter Alice and devastated us.”
“We want drivers to look at Alice and think about what can happen when they take risks and drive too fast. We assume that her killer regrets his actions today.”
“We are very grateful to all the people who have helped us – the medical staff who tried to save her, the charities who have supported us, the police and witnesses.”
“Their videos proved what he did and we urge anyone who can to please buy a dashcam.”
“Lastly, we want our wonderful girl to be known for more than just her tragic, needless death.”
“Alice was ours – a happy, bright bookworm; a funny, loving and gentle daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend. We will always be so proud of her.”
Detective Sergeant Steve Suggitt of the Major Collision Enquiry Team said, “Today’s sentence will not bring Alice back to her family, but I hope it provides a level of closure that Hussain has been prosecuted for his actions.”
“This was a truly tragic incident and our thoughts remain with Alice’s family and those affected by what happened.”
“We would like to thank everyone who assisted with our enquiries, including those who provided dash cam footage.”
“This footage was crucial for the investigation team in understanding the movements of the vehicle in the moments leading up to the collision, which helped in securing the charge against Hussain.”
“We would also like to thank those who came to Alice’s aid immediately after the collision and we hope that this incident acts as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences families can be left to face and for the need to stay safe on the roads.”
