Van Driver Admits to Causing Death of Student in Central London Crash

A man has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a university student after striking her with his van in central London.

Aalia Mahomed, 20, a second-year student studying physics and philosophy at King's College London, died at the scene of the collision on the Strand on 18 March 2025.

Christopher Jackson, 27, from Southampton, appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday where he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The court heard that the van first collided with a metal gate, knocking it off its hinges, before hitting the bench where Mahomed was seated.

Two other individuals, Irem Yoldas and Yamin Belmessous, sustained injuries in the incident.

Jackson admitted the charges with a sombre expression, keeping his head bowed and looking towards the floor for most of the hearing.

Prosecutor Fiona Robertson stated that Mahomed's family and the two surviving victims are "anxious" for Jackson to be sentenced before the anniversary of the incident.

"It is inevitably going to be a substantial custodial sentence,"

said Judge Philip Katz KC.

Jessica Clarke, representing Jackson, informed the court that he has three young children with his fiancée and has been attempting to "earn as much money" as possible for his family prior to sentencing.

"Unlike many cases of death by dangerous driving which involve excessive speed, alcohol and drugs, this involves none of that. It was a tragic accident,"

she added.

Jackson, who remains in custody, is scheduled to be sentenced at the same court on 6 March.

Investigation and Community Response

Detective Chief Superintendent Donna Smith, from the Metropolitan Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, expressed sympathy for those affected by the tragedy.

"Our thoughts remain with Aalia's friends and family at this time.

We can only imagine the pain they are suffering and we know nothing can undo what's happened.

We hope today's guilty plea brings them a small measure of comfort."

She also extended thanks to members of the public who assisted Aalia at the scene, everyone involved in the police investigation, and the officers who worked on the case.

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