A 33-year-old man from Acton has been jailed for three years and four months for causing the death of a 57-year-old woman by dangerous driving in Aylesbury.
Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed of Warple Way, was sentenced on 1 November 2024 at Aylesbury Crown Court where he was also disqualified from driving for four years and ten months and ordered to pay £1,000 prosecution costs and forfeiture of the vehicle.
On 7 November 2021, Mohamed was driving at excessive speed and undertaking and tailgating other vehicles in a Mazda 3, northbound on the M40 between Junction 8 and Junction 9 in Bicester
As Mohamed approached Shabbington, he swerved from the third lane on the carriageway to the first lane and collided with another vehicle, a white MG.
Both vehicles left the carriageway onto the verge where they rolled a number of times.
In the MG, were husband and wife, Simon and Helen Matthews.
The driver of the MG, Simon, aged 61, sustained life threatening injuries to his head and chest. Helen, who was 57-years-old at the time died at the scene.
Mohamed survived the incident with minor injuries. He was interviewed voluntarily by police and charged on 11 December 2023.
Investigating officer DC Elizabeth Scurlock said: “The precise and accurate reason for Mr Mohamed losing control of his vehicle remains unclear. He is the only person who could tell the Matthews family and the investigation but he has chosen not to.
“We learnt of his defence case in July 2024 whereby he suggested that there was an unknown mechanical default with his vehicle. The jury did not agree with him. He has finally been held accountable for his selfish actions that day.”
DC Scurlock added: “This was a senseless piece of driving from him that was completely avoidable on his part. The decisions he made that day tragically and sadly resulted in the death of Helen and serious injury to Simon.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the witnesses for their support and commitment to our investigation since November 2021.
“We would not be able to successfully piece together an investigation without members of the public coming forward and assisting us all the way through to a conclusion.
“Finally I would like to pay tribute to the Matthews family who have acted with dignity and respect throughout the court process. They were unfortunately placed in a position by Mr Mohamed to re-live moments of the day of the collision which was difficult and painful for them.
“I hope that the conviction will go some way in helping with their continuing recovery from the tragic loss of Helen who was a much loved wife, sister, daughter, aunt and a dear friend to many.”
