Man pleads guilty to causing death by dangerous driving after Met investigation

A man has pleaded guilty to causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving following a fatal collision in Aldwych last March.

Emergency services were called to The Strand, near Kings College London campus, at 11:41hrs on Tuesday, 18 March 2025. This followed a collision involving a vehicle and a group of pedestrians. Sadly, 20-year-old Aalia Mahomed was pronounced dead at the scene. Aalia was described by her family as a bright, kind and beautiful soul, who brought joy and laughter to everyone around her.

Officers arrived on the scene within seven minutes and arrested Christopher Jackson, 27 (22.10.1998) of Walton Road. Southampton.

Following a complex investigation by Met officers, Jackson pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey on Monday, 2 February to one count of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Detective Chief Superintendent Donna Smith, of the Met’s Serious Collison Investigation Unit, said: “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.

“I want to thank our officers for their dedication and professionalism in helping to achieve justice. We would also like to thank the members of the public who came to Aalia’s aid, and to all of those who assisted us with our investigation.”

The investigation

Following the incident, an investigation commenced, which involved extensive CCTV and digital forensic work. Forensic collision investigators attended the scene to piece together vital clues to establish exactly how events unfolded. The vehicle was later seized and examined, and importantly, no mechanical defects were found to have contributed to the collision.

Additionally, statements were taken from over 88 public witnesses and 84 police witnesses to ensure officers had a full picture of the incident.

On the morning of the incident, Jackson arrived at work and was assigned, alongside a colleague, to collect two electric vehicles from Bush House in Aldwych. After leaving Bush House’s courtyard, Jackson drove at speed towards a set of iron gates leading to the pedestrian zone of The Strand. Jackson collided with the gates, which subsequently fell and hit a 28-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man, who were both taken to hospital. Their injuries were later assessed as life-changing but not life-threatening.

Jackson then drove the vehicle forwards, causing it to mount a flower bed. The vehicle became briefly airborne before colliding with Aalia, who was sitting on a bench on the other side of the flower bed, facing away from the vehicle. Jackson continued before coming to a stop close to the wall of St Mary-Le-Strand church.

Jackson has been remanded into custody ahead of sentencing on Friday, 6 March.