Driver admits killing a beautician Yagmur Ozden by ploughing his Range Rover into a Tesla dealership before landing on tracks at Park Royal Tube station
A driver has admitted killing a beautician when he ploughed his Range Rover through a Tesla dealership and ended up on a west London railway track.
Rida Kazem, 23, today pleaded guilty to causing the death by dangerous driving of Iraqi-born beautician Yagmur Ozden, 33, in a crash on the A40 westbound near Ealing on August 22 last year.
Kazem, of Greenford, also admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving to then 26-year-old Amarod Arif, who escaped the crash with a broken leg and arm.
Ms Ozden, who was a passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash at around 3.48am.
The mother-of-one, who was identified by police through her fingerprints, has since been described by friends as a ‘devoted’ mother who would do anything to help others and would often share her money with people in need.
A post-mortem examination revealed she died from multiple traumatic injuries and blunt force trauma, West London Coroner’s Court heard in August 2022.
The court heard how the Range Rover Sport, valued at around £80,000 for a basic model, collided with a stationary Tesla and some of it ended up on the tracks at Park Royal Tube station.
Kazem, a jewellery store manager, was also seriously injured during the crash and was rushed to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington where he was put in an induced coma.
He has since had his leg amputated and appeared in the dock today using crutches.
Appearing in court on Thursday 16 February, Kazem, who was bearded and wearing a grey jumper, spoke to confirm his name before admitting the offences.
Nicholas Hearn, prosecuting, said Kazem has previous speeding convictions – including one recent offence for driving 95mph in a 50mph zone before this incident.
David Rhodes, for Kazem, said his client ‘…well understands this is a very serious matter and he’s facing a very significant term of imprisonment.’
He said Kazem had ‘suffered a serious injury himself’ during the crash, resulting in the amputation of his left leg, for which he may have to undergo further surgery.
Judge Robin Johnson adjourned the case and remanded him in custody, to next appear at the same court on April 21 for sentencing.