Man who drove at 77mph in a 30 zone jailed after killing a woman in Gateshead

A dangerous driver has been jailed after killing a much-loved wife, mum and grandmother as he drove his car in a dangerous manner through Gateshead.

Provisional licence holder Abobakr Mohammed inexplicably got behind the wheel of a red Toyota late on November 25 last year and reached speeds of 77mph in a 30mph residential area.

But as the 25-year-old drove dangerously down Old Durham Road in Gateshead, he failed to see a female pedestrian crossing the street – colliding with her and causing fatal injuries.

The pedestrian, Marion Whittaker, 55, of Bensham, was sadly confirmed as deceased at the scene.

Today (Tuesday), Mohammed, of Mardale Gardens, Gateshead, was jailed for six years and four months after admitting causing death by dangerous driving at Newcastle Crown Court.

Despite pleas from his friend not to, Mohammed made the choice to drive his Toyota whilst under the influence of alcohol and cannabis.

The court heard how, despite requests from his front seat passenger who told him to slow down, Mohammed drove at speeds of no less than 77 mph – all while using his mobile phone.

Sergeant Steve Armstrong, of Northumbria Police, said:

“This is another sad case that reinforces a simple fact - our roads are not racetracks, and speeding can lead to devastating consequences.

“Mohammed knew he had not passed his test but got into the car whilst under the influence of alcohol and cannabis and willingly risked the lives of other road users and families living nearby.

“His decision that night to drive from Gateshead to Newcastle to get some food has cruelly resulted in Marion’s death, and her family and friends have had to live with the unimaginable pain ever since. Our thoughts remain with them as they continue to deal with their loss.

“No sentence handed down today could ever bring Marion back, but I would like to sincerely thank her family for their support, bravery and cooperation throughout this investigation as we looked to bring the person responsible for her death to justice.

“I would also like to thank members of the local community who assisted us with our investigation and provided us with the information needed to ensure that Mohammed pleaded guilty.

Sgt Armstrong added:

“By flouting the laws of the road, which are there to ultimately protect all road users and save lives, you risk ruining more than one life forever.

“That’s exactly what has happened in this case, which was totally avoidable had it not been for the selfish actions of Mohammed. I hope this acts as a reminder to all motorists as to the potential risks of not complying with the law whilst driving a motor vehicle.”

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