Speeding driver is jailed after crash which killed woman

Zakhira Ali, 34, and her friend were wearing traditional black clothing as they tried to cross the busy Mayo Avenue, Bradford at about 8.30pm when they were hit by uninsured driver Zahir Iqbal who did not see them until it was too late.

Iqbal, 31, had picked up his brother from Manchester Airport and was chatting to him in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution when the collision occurred in March last year.

It is believed that the crossing lights were green in favour of the driver, but Iqbal accepted that he was driving at between 40mph and 50mph on the 30mph stretch.

Bradford Crown Court heard how Rashda Bibi ran for her life when she heard Iqbal’s car approaching but as he swerved to avoid her he struck her companion.

Mrs Ali died at the scene from her injuries.

Iqbal remained at the scene of the collision and the court heard there were no other aggravating features such as alcohol or drugs.

Inquiries later revealed that an insurance policy which Iqbal thought was valid had in fact been fraudulently obtained by another man and he was not insured to drive the vehicle.

Takeaway owner Iqbal, of Sherwell Rise, Allerton, Bradford, pleaded guilty last month to causing death by driving without due care and attention and causing death whilst uninsured.

The married father-of-four was yesterday jailed for a total of six months and banned from driving for three years