A Range Rover driver who killed a food delivery worker in a high-speed hit-and-run in East London has been jailed after a court heard he was travelling at up to 68mph in a 30mph zone before fleeing the scene instead of stopping to help his victim.
Mayan Hirani, 26, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court after being convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop following a road collision. The fatal crash claimed the life of Mohammed Furuk Ahmed, who had been making a food delivery in Ilford on 16 March 2024.
The court heard Mr Ahmed had briefly parked his vehicle before attempting to cross the road to complete a delivery when he was struck by Hirani’s speeding Range Rover. Investigators determined the SUV was travelling between 64mph and 68mph, more than double the legal speed limit, leaving the victim with catastrophic injuries.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and fought to save Mr Ahmed’s life before he was taken to hospital. Despite doctors’ efforts, he died from his injuries the following day, devastating his family and colleagues.
Rather than stopping after the collision, Hirani drove away from the scene. Detectives from the Metropolitan Police launched a detailed investigation using CCTV footage, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology and forensic evidence to trace the vehicle and identify the driver.
Police eventually linked the damaged Range Rover to a garage in East London, leading officers to Hirani. During the investigation, he admitted he had been driving the vehicle at the time of the collision.
Following his conviction, Hirani was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison. He was also disqualified from driving for five years and will be required to pass an extended driving test before being allowed to return to the road.
Detective Constable Tristan Hunter, who led the investigation, said the case demonstrated the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to holding dangerous drivers accountable.
“Our thoughts remain with Mr Ahmed’s family and loved ones, who continue to live with the devastating consequences of his death,” he said.
“While no sentence can undo the pain caused by Mr Ahmed’s passing, I hope this outcome provides some measure of justice for his family and demonstrates our commitment to holding dangerous drivers accountable.
” The case has once again highlighted the dangers posed by excessive speeding on London’s roads. Road safety experts continue to warn that driving at more than twice the speed limit dramatically reduces reaction times while significantly increasing both the likelihood and severity of fatal collisions.
Mr Ahmed’s death also underlines the risks faced by thousands of delivery drivers who spend long hours navigating busy streets across the capital. Many transport campaigners have called for continued enforcement against dangerous driving to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and workers who rely on London’s road network.
The Metropolitan Police has urged motorists involved in any collision to remain at the scene and provide assistance where possible. Failing to stop after a serious crash is itself a criminal offence and can lead to additional charges alongside dangerous driving offences.
While the prison sentence cannot undo the loss suffered by Mr Ahmed’s loved ones, investigators hope the conviction sends a clear message that those who drive recklessly and flee the scene of fatal collisions will be identified and brought before the courts.
