Killer driver, 44, who left motorcyclist, 20, to die in the road after ploughing into him is jailed after witnesses’ SKETCH identified him

• Danny Smith, 44, killed 20-year-old Saleem Ahmed in a road traffic collision
• Smith, of Chigwell, was identified from a sketch by a member of the public 
• He pleaded guilty to a number of offences at court including robbing the elderly
• He has been sentenced to 24 years in prison and must serve at least 12 of them 

A habitual criminal who left a man to die after a road traffic collision has been identified after a witness drew their own sketch of the driver for police.

Danny Smith, 44, of Manford Way, Chigwell, Essex, crashed into 20-year-old Saleem Ahmed, who was riding a Yahama motorcycle, while driving a grey Audi in Redbridge on December 17 last year.

Saleem, who had been on the way home after visiting his brother in Romford, was treated by members of the public and paramedics at the scene of the crash, which occurred at around 9.20pm, but sadly died at the scene. 

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit launched an investigation into the fatal collision, and it was established that the suspect vehicle was in the local area 30 minutes prior to the collision being driven in an erratic manner. 

A witness drew their own sketch of the driver of the car which later turned out to be key in identifying him.

Danny Smith, 44, pleaded guilty in court to a range of offences including causing death by dangerous driving

Saleem Ahmed, 20, was returning from spending time with his brother when he was hit by Smith’s vehicle in Redbridge in December 2021

This sketch, drawn by a member of the public of the driver of the suspect vehicle, helped police identify Smith as the person suspected in the fatal collision

Smith bears an uncanny resemblance to the person drawn by the witness in the sketch

In a separate investigation, detectives from East Area CID unit in the Met Police had been investigating a number of offences.

Two days prior to the fatal road traffic collision, Smith gained entry into the home of an elderly female in Havering under false pretences, claiming that he had damaged her fence and would like to fix it. 

Once inside, he pushed and threatened her before stealing cash and personal items.

On 1 February 2022, he had attended the home of an elderly man in Ilford and gained entry under false pretences before stealing a quantity of cash.

On 5 February, police received a report of a male who had stolen a vehicle from a car showroom in Romford whilst pretending to show interest in purchasing it.

On 7 February, Smith was observed by officers in Waltham Forest driving erratically. When prompted to stop for police, he attempted to escape by reversing into a police vehicle. 

Assisted by a dog unit, Smith and a passenger in the vehicle were detained and arrested.

Enquiries revealed that the vehicle was on false plates and it was same one that had been stolen from the showroom in Romford.

After his arrest, police realised Smith was also wanted in connection with the fatal crash as the sketch from the member of the public bared an uncanny resemblance him.

At court, Smith pleaded guilty to a number of offences including causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving whilst disqualified and causing death by driving while unlicensed/uninsured.

He also pleaded guilty to failing to stop after a road accident, charges of robbery, burglary, handling stolen goods, criminal damage to property of a value of more than £5,000 and the theft of a motor vehicle.

Finally he admitted dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He was sentenced to 24 years in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 5.

Saleem’s family said in a statement: ‘My son was taken in such cruel circumstances, that for years to come it will affect us all as a family, our friends and our community. 

‘I will forever be thankful to the witnesses on the night of the incident; the help they gave to my son, comforting him as he passed away and to the ones who helped bring Danny Smith to justice, I will be forever grateful.

‘The support we as a family have had from the Police throughout has been second to none. 

‘Nothing will ever bring Saleem back, but knowing that a dangerous criminal is back where he belongs and can no longer ruin other lives, which is what we fought so hard for. To my darling Son, we love you forever’.’

Detective Inspector Julie Trodden, Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: ‘Saleem was much loved by his family and friends and well-liked by his work colleagues.

‘My sympathies remain with Saleem’s family, who have been through so much and supported us so steadfastly throughout our investigation and this court case. 

‘I would like to thank them for their courage, bravery and patience and hope they know we have done the best we could for them, and for Saleem.

‘I would also thank all those members of the public that stopped on the night of the collision and made efforts to help Saleem. 

‘I know that Saleem’s family would echo these comments.

‘It can only be said that Smith’s actions were reckless, dangerous and entirely avoidable’.

Smith was sentenced to a total of 24 years in prison and must serve at least 12.

He was also disqualified from driving for 23 years and five months. 

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