A persistent offender who left a man to die in a traffic accident was identified after a witness made a drawing of the driver for police.
Danny Smith, 44, of Manford Way, Chigwell, Essex, collided with Saleem Ahmed, 20, who was riding a Yahama motorcycle in Redbridge on December 17 of last year while driving a grey Audi.
Saleem, who was on his way home after seeing his brother in Romford, was treated at the scene of the accident by members of the public and paramedics, but tragically died at the spot.
At approximately 9:20 p.m., detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department opened an investigation into the deadly collision.
They discovered that the suspect vehicle had been observed driving erratically 30 minutes before to the crash.
A witness made their own sketch of the car’s driver, which proved crucial in identifying him.
This sketch of the driver of the suspect vehicle, done by a member of the public, helped police identify Smith as the culprit in the deadly crash.
Smith has an amazing similarity to the sketched individual by the witness.
In December 2021, Saleem Ahmed, age 20, was returning after spending time with his brother when he was struck by Smith’s vehicle in Redbridge.
Met Police detectives were conducting a separate investigation into a number of burglary offenses.
Two days before to the deadly traffic crash, Smith entered the Havering house of an elderly woman under false pretenses, claiming he had broken her fence and would like to repair it.
Once inside, he shoved and threatened her before snatching her money and personal belongings.
On 1 February 2022, he entered the Ilford residence of an elderly man under false pretenses and stole an amount of cash.
On 5 February, police received a report that a person had taken a vehicle from a car dealership in Romford while posing as a potential buyer.
On 7 February, cops in Waltham Forest observed Smith driving erratically. When instructed to stop by the police, he attempted to flee by reversing into a police car.
Smith and a passenger in the vehicle were detained and arrested with the assistance of a dog unit.
Inquiries discovered that the vehicle had bogus license plates and was the same one taken from the Romford showroom.
Police discovered after Smith’s arrest that he was also wanted in connection with the tragic collision, since the sketch drawn by a member of the public bore an uncanny likeness to him.
Smith pled guilty in court to multiple charges, including causing death by reckless driving, causing death by driving while disqualified, and causing death by driving while unlicensed/uninsured.
In addition, he pled guilty to failing to stop following a traffic collision, robbery, burglary, handling stolen items, criminal damage to property over £5,000, and auto theft.
44-year-old Danny Smith pled guilty in court to multiple offenses, including causing death by reckless driving.
He finally admitted to reckless driving, driving while disqualified, and driving a motor vehicle without a valid license.
On September 5, he was sentenced to 24 years in jail at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
Saleem’s family released the following statement: ‘My son was stolen under such horrific circumstances that it will affect us as a family, our friends, and our community for years to come.
I will be eternally grateful to the witnesses on the night of the tragedy for the assistance they provided to my son, consoling him as he died away, and for their assistance in bringing Danny Smith to justice.
“The help our family has received from the Police has been unparalleled.”
Nothing will ever bring Saleem back, but knowing that a dangerous criminal is back where he belongs and can no longer destroy other people’s lives is what we worked so hard for. To my dear Son, we will always love you.
Detective Inspector Julie Trodden of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit stated, ‘Saleem was adored by his family and friends, as well as respected by his coworkers.
My condolences continue to go out to Saleem’s family, who have endured so much and supported us so staunchly throughout our inquiry and this court case.
“I would want to thank them for their fortitude, bravery, and patience, and I hope they are aware that we have done everything possible for them and Saleem.
“I would also want to thank the members of the public who stopped to assist Saleem the night of the collision.
I am certain that Saleem’s family would agree with these statements.
It is only possible to conclude that Smith’s actions were irresponsible, risky, and utterly avoidable.
Smith was sentenced to a total of 24 years in jail, of which at least 12 must be served.
In addition, he was prohibited from driving for 23 years and five months.