Van Driver Who Killed Three-Year-Old Girl Had Taken 'At Least 20 Lines of Cocaine'

In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, Rawal Rehman, a 35-year-old van driver, has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a three-year-old girl, Louisa Palmisano, in a collision that occurred on February 22 in Manchester. Evidence presented in court indicated that Rehman consumed a staggering 'at least 20 lines of cocaine' within seven hours prior to the crash. Louisa, affectionately known as Lulu, was walking on the pavement with her parents when Rehman collided with a tram. The impact was significant; his vehicle mounted the pavement, striking the young girl, who later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital. The prosecution revealed that moments before the incident, Rehman had been at two massage parlours, indicating a night of drug use that severely impaired his judgement. The court heard from prosecutor Rachel Shenton, who stated that Rehman's driving behavior fell drastically short of being competent, as he ignored critical stop signs leading up to the collision, leaving the tram driver no opportunity to react. In a statement following the incident, Abbie Clarke, a senior crown prosecutor, expressed sorrow for Lulu's family, emphasizing that the loss is unfathomable. Rehman’s actions were described as completely disregardful, as he fled the scene in a taxi shortly after the crash, only to deny responsibility in initial police interviews. It was not until his third appearance in court that he finally accepted his culpability. Regrettably, this was not Rehman’s first brush with the law. In 2017, he was imprisoned for three years for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice in connection with another fatal hit-and-run. This prior incident only underscores the dangerous nature of driving under the influence and the serious repercussions that can arise from such reckless behavior. The family of Lulu has painted a picture of a bright and joyful child, expressing their heartbreak at this preventable loss. They described her as the ‘sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl,’ and lamented the void left by her absence. The palpable grief of the Palmisano family resonates with the community as they process this horrific tragedy. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the significant risks of driving under the influence of drugs—a disregard for safety that has cost an innocent life. As the case progresses to sentencing on May 27, there is a collective hope within the community for justice and accountability in the face of such a profound injustice.