Tragic Incident in Manchester
A Manchester van driver, Rawal Rehman, aged 36, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for causing the death of three-year-old Louisa "Lulu" Palmisano. The incident occurred on February 22 as Lulu walked with her parents in Manchester City Centre. Rehman, who had consumed an alarming amount of cocaine—"at least 20 lines" within seven hours—was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.
The Collision
While driving his Mercedes Sprinter van, Rehman failed to heed stop signs and collided with a tram on Mosley Street. Following this, he mounted the pavement where he struck Lulu, who was holding her mother’s hand and wearing a baby harness. Despite immediate medical attention, Lulu succumbed to her injuries shortly after.
Flight from Justice
After the collision, Rehman fled the scene in a taxi. He managed to evade police for two days before being arrested at a restaurant, where authorities were able to trace him through documents located in his abandoned vehicle. During his police interview, Rehman maintained that his driving had not been dangerous, although he later pleaded guilty in court.
Impact on the Family
In a heartfelt victim impact statement, Lulu's family expressed their heartbreak and the irreversible void left by her loss. "Lulu was our only child and the centre of our world," they stated. The family's poignant words reflected on the joy Lulu had brought into their lives, emphasizing that no parent should have to endure such a tragedy.
Legal Proceedings
During the trial, the court heard evidence highlighting Rehman’s history of reckless behavior, including a previous conviction for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice after he was involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident back in 2017. This led to a sentence of three years in jail at that time.
Conclusions Drawn by the Court
Judge Alan Conrad KC, addressing the court, described Lulu’s unanticipated death as bringing enduring sorrow to her family and brought numerous witnesses to a traumatic scene. He stated, "No sentence will equate to the loss of such a young life" and admonished Rehman for fleeing the scene and not taking responsibility after the accident.
Final Remarks
As part of the sentence, Rehman will also face a driving ban lasting 13 years and eight months following his release. Detective Inspector Andrew Page of Greater Manchester Police emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that Rehman’s actions were both selfish and completely avoidable, noting the substantial emotional scars left on Lulu’s family.
Bias Analysis
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