A driver who engaged in a racing incident moments before another vehicle fatally struck a mother and her young daughter has been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.
Justyna Hulboj, aged 27, and her four-year-old daughter Lena Czepczor died when they were struck by an Audi TT RS as they made their way to the girl's nursery in Leeds on 16 January 2023. Jasskamal Riyat, 37, was operating a BMW 1 Series in close proximity behind the Audi at the moment of the fatal collision.
The prosecution's case centred on evidence that Riyat had been racing Hardeep Bachu, the driver of the Audi, in the moments immediately preceding the crash. Riyat initially contested allegations that he had been racing Bachu, though Bachu himself had previously admitted responsibility for causing the deaths of the mother and daughter.
Following a week-long trial at Leeds Crown Court, a jury determined on Friday that Riyat was guilty of the same offences as Bachu. The 37-year-old now faces sentencing alongside Bachu on 26 October.
This case reflects a pattern of prosecutions involving dangerous racing behaviour on public roads. In a comparable incident, two brothers were found guilty of causing death and serious injury after racing near Welshpool in 2024, which resulted in the death of Rhys Jenkins and serious injury to his son. Such cases demonstrate the severe consequences that can result when drivers engage in competitive driving on roads shared with pedestrians and other motorists.
What happens next
Both Riyat and Bachu are scheduled to receive their sentences on 26 October at Leeds Crown Court.
