Hello All
I felt it necessary to post an up-date as regards a shocking situation that has unfolded in the trial of the man who was driving the car that struck Jack Ryan on that fateful night in 2021.
Rashid Ali had been allowed to leave Britain for Pakistan in the run up to proceedings, but he then failed to return to attend his trial. Hence, he was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving in his absence at the Old Bailey on 9th August.
In an email to the court, read out by his barrister, Ali wrote: “I feel very ashamed of myself and have assassinated my own character."
There is a full report of court proceedings here. Ali will be sentenced, whether he attends court or not, on 13th September. He faces the serious prospect of a long prison term, which can surely only be exacerbated by his refusal to return to Britain. The sentencing guidelines for causing death by dangerous driving are laid out starkly by the Sentencing Council here. By my reckoning, Ali's offence falls within Category A, the most serious, and he faces a "starting point" of 12 years in prison.
Details of that night have finally emerged. It has been reported that Ali was driving at between 39mph and 41mph in the 20mph zone down Beaufort Street in Chelsea.
When his Range Rover was about 50 metres away from the traffic lights at the junction with Cheyne Walk the lights changed from green to amber. This would have given him time to stop, but he jumped the light. As Ali speed towards Battersea Bridge, it was at this moment that Jack attempted to cross the road and was struck.
I saw Ali being questioned by police on the bridge that night soon after the accident. I would be interested to know the exact details of his testimony during that first exchange in the immediate aftermath of the accident.
I have tried to contact various officials in relation to the investigation during the past week. I am keen to know many details, not least why the investigation has taken so long to come to trial. Above all, I want to know why Ali was allowed to travel without restrictions, and what efforts are being made to bring him back.
It goes without saying that I implore Ali to come back to Britain and face justice. It is the only right way forward. I hope his family and friends can help him see sense. He cannot simply evade justice and live a life on the run.
RM