UPDATE: An 11-year-old girl was tragically struck by two vehicles while walking to school in Nottingham, prompting serious concerns over road safety. The incident occurred on January 29, 2022, just before 8:00 AM, at the intersection of Bobbers Mill Road and Radford Road in Hyson Green.
Witnesses report that the girl was crossing the road when she was first hit by a speeding driver, Jordan Laidley, who was operating a Mercedes. Following this, the vehicle driven by Muhammed Chisuti, in a Mitsubishi, struck the girl again as he attempted a similar unsafe maneuver. The collisions left the girl with significant injuries, including a punctured lung, a collapsed lung, and head trauma.
In a court hearing on December 22, 2023, at Nottingham Crown Court, it was revealed that the victim has been suffering from ongoing psychological effects, including panic attacks and anxiety in public spaces. The girl, who spent over a week in the hospital, expressed in a victim impact statement, “I feel nervous whenever I’m out in public. I think about it every day and feel really upset because I know it wasn’t my fault but I sometimes feel like it was.”
Despite the severity of the incident, both drivers received suspended sentences from Judge Rupert Mayo. Laidley, initially denying any wrongdoing, later changed his plea to guilty after being shown CCTV evidence. He was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months, along with a one-year driving ban and ordered to pay £250 in costs. Chisuti, who also pled guilty, received the same penalties.
The emotional impact of the incident extends beyond the victim. The girl’s mother recalled the moment she learned of the accident and described her trauma: “I didn’t know whether or not she’d be alive… It was so heartbreaking to see my daughter connected to oxygen through her nose.”
Laidley expressed remorse, stating, “It’s not her fault in any way. His driving was well below what is expected of a responsible driver.” Similarly, Chisuti’s lawyer noted that the imam has prayed for the girl’s recovery every day since the accident, indicating the lasting emotional burden on both drivers.
Both defendants were ordered to complete 40 hours of unpaid community service as part of their sentences. The case has raised urgent discussions about road safety measures, particularly in school zones, emphasizing the need for greater awareness among drivers.
As the community seeks healing, authorities urge all drivers to be vigilant and responsible, ensuring the safety of children commuting to school. The profound impact of this incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless driving.
This developing story highlights the critical need for road safety reforms and the ongoing support required for victims and their families. Further updates will follow as the situation evolves.
