Driver Sentenced for Fatal Crash
A driver has been sentenced to prison following a collision that resulted in the death of a four-year-old girl as she was walking home from Eid celebrations with her family.
Javonnie Tavener had previously pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving after his vehicle struck Mayar Yahia in Birmingham in April 2024.
In addition to the fatality, other individuals sustained injuries in the incident. Tavener, aged 23, also admitted to two counts of causing serious injury by careless driving and causing death while driving without insurance.
At Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, Tavener received a prison sentence totaling three years and ten months for the motoring offences.
Details of the Incident
During the sentencing hearing, the court was informed that Tavener, who has no fixed address, remained at the scene for nine seconds after the collision before reversing his vehicle. This action caused Mayar to be dragged by the car. He then exited the vehicle and fled on foot, the court heard.
Family Impact
A statement from Mayar's father, Babiker Yahia, was read in court on Friday, describing the ongoing impact on the family. They live near the crash location on Upper Highgate Street, which serves as a "constant reminder" of the tragic event.
"I stayed with Mayar when she was taken from the collision and transported to hospital - that night will remain with me forever," he said.
