Reckless driver ‘drank lager’ and smoked cannabis before killing much-loved nan

A reckless driver drank lager, smoked cannabis and streamed music before he hit a much-loved grandmother on a Gateshead road in November last year.

Abobakr Mohammed only held a provisional licence and was begged by friends to slow down before he drove into 55-year-old Marion Whittaker of Bensham on Old Durham Road in Gateshead.

Mohammed, a 25-year-old Amazon distribution centre worker, hit speeds of up to 77 mph in a 30 mph residential area driving a red Toyota on November 25 last year.

The much-loved grandmother was confirmed deceased at the scene and today Mohammed, of Merdale Gardens, Gateshead, has been jailed to six years and four months after admitting causing death by dangerous driving at Newcastle Crown Court.

Whittaker was walking home from looking after her grandchildren when the collision happened at around 10 pm.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Mohammed’s Toyota flipped over following the fatal crash and landed back on its wheels

Despite pleas from his friend not to, Mohammed made the choice to drive his Toyota whilst under the influence of alcohol and cannabis.

The court heard how, despite requests from his front seat passenger who told him to slow down, Mohammed drove at speeds of no less than 77 mph – all while using his mobile phone.

Sergeant Steve Armstrong, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is another sad case that reinforces a simple fact - our roads are not racetracks, and speeding can lead to devastating consequences.

“Mohammed knew he had not passed his test but got into the car whilst under the influence of alcohol and cannabis and willingly risked the lives of other road users and families living nearby.

“His decision that night to drive from Gateshead to Newcastle to get some food has cruelly resulted in Marion’s death, and her family and friends have had to live with the unimaginable pain ever since. Our thoughts remain with them as they continue to deal with their loss.

“No sentence handed down today could ever bring Marion back, but I would like to sincerely thank her family for their support, bravery and cooperation throughout this investigation as we looked to bring the person responsible for her death to justice.

“I would also like to thank members of the local community who assisted us with our investigation and provided us with the information needed to ensure that Mohammed pleaded guilty.”