Hit-and-run driver who was going 65mph in a 30mph zone moments before ploughing into a cyclist is jailed for four years for causing his death
- Syed Minhaz Ahmed, 32, hit ‘funny and caring’ Jay Kristiansen, 31, in July 2020
A speeding driver who killed a cyclist in a hit-and-run whilst doing more than double the limit has been jailed.
Syed Minhaz Ahmed was driving at over 65mph on a 30mph road moments before he hit ‘funny and caring’ Jay Kristiansen.
The 31-year-old was thrown from his bike and was later rushed to a nearby hospital in northeast London, but tragically died of his catastrophic injuries the following day.
After hitting the cyclist with his car Ahmed, 32, from Newham in northeast London, did not stop and fled the scene before abandoning his vehicle.
He eventually handed himself to police around 33 hours after the incident occurred.
Syed Minhaz Ahmed was driving at over 65mph on a 30mph road moments before he hit ‘funny and caring’ Jay Kristiansen
Ahmed was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving by a unanimous jury following a five-day trial in March and has now been jailed for four years – two of which he will serve on licence.
Following his sentence, the family of Mr Kristiansen described their loved one as a ‘cheeky little chappie’.
In a statement, the devastated family wrote: ‘Jay was a funny and caring young man.
‘In particular he had a great kindness and love of animals. He still had so many hope and dreams, including having a family of his own.
‘We will not be able to see him realise those dreams.
‘Today we finally got justice for our cheeky little chappie. We will miss you forever, life isn’t the same without you here.’
The incident occurred on Romford Road in northeast London one Friday in July 2020.
Ahmed was found to have been driving on the road at more than twice the speed limit just moments before his car hit Mr Kristiansen, who was riding a pushbike.
After Ahmed fled the scene, members of the public called for help.
The cyclist was rushed to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel but sadly died.
Acting Met Police Detective Sergeant Liz Carrey said Ahmed had shown no regard for public safety.
Following his sentence, the family of Mr Kristiansen (pictured) described their loved one as a ‘cheeky little chappie’. In a statement, the devastated family wrote: ‘Jay was a funny and caring young man. ‘In particular he had a great kindness and love of animals. He still had so many hope and dreams, including having a family of his own’
DS Carrey said: ‘Ahmed’s reckless actions that day led to the death of a young man, which has devastated his family and friends.
‘I would like to recognise their dignity throughout the trial, which has been incredibly difficult for them.
‘Our investigation showed that Ahmed had no regard for public safety, with CCTV showing that he had been driving at over 65mph in a 30mph zone.
‘After the collision he drove away, leaving Mr Kristiansen with catastrophic injuries, relying on other members of the public to call for help.
‘Time and time again we see the devastating impact of dangerous driving and it is right that Ahmed has received a custodial sentence.
‘I hope that the sentence handed down serves as a warning of the potential consequences of driving recklessly.’
At Snaresbrook Crown Court he was also banned from driving for six years and will be required to take an extended retest at the end of his disqualification period.
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