Man killed driver and injured own family in crash

Christopher Hunt's family thanked the police for their "dedication and professionalism"

A man who killed a driver and "maimed" members of his own family in a head-on crash has been jailed for 12 years.

Asim Bashir's BMW M8 struck Christopher Hunt's Ford Fiesta on the A47 near Wittering, Cambridgeshire, on 8 October 2021.

Mr Bashir's wife and four children were in the BMW.

Bashir, 48, of High View Road, South Woodford, east London, was found guilty of three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and one count of causing death by dangerous driving.

Speaking after his sentencing, Mr Hunt's family said in a statement: "The last two years have been very stressful and traumatic for us, but we have finally got justice for Chris.

"He is greatly missed by the whole family.

"We would like to thank the police and all involved in the trial for their hard work, dedication and professionalism."

Cambridgeshire Police said Bashir was trying to overtake an Audi, a Range Rover and a lorry when the collision happened on the road near Peterborough.

The red Fiesta was sent up in the air, through a tree line and down an embankment before landing in a field and exploding into flames, killing Mr Hunt, 33, of Uppingham in Rutland.

Bashir needed to be cut free from his vehicle by firefighters.

Asim Bashir was also disqualified from driving for 14 years

His sons, aged 12, 10, 4 and six months were in the car, and the four-year-old was sitting on his wife's knee, police said.

Bashir, his wife, the 10-year-old and four-year-old were taken to hospital with serious injuries - officers said - and the four-year-old now uses a wheelchair.

A jury unanimously found him guilty after a seven-day trial in January at Cambridge Crown Court.

He was also disqualified from driving for 14 years.

Det Con Kevin Drury said: "This was a tragic case, where Bashir has killed an innocent man going about his business, as well as maiming members of his own family and leaving them incredibly traumatised."

“Bashir’s driving was incredibly dangerous as well as reckless – only he will know why he decided to put his loved ones and other road users in danger that night.”