Driver jailed 12 years for fatal Walthamstow crash

Blerim Manallari was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment at the Old Bailey on 1 October 2026 for causing death by dangerous driving. The sentence follows a collision on 24 March 2024 in Walthamstow where Manallari was driving a Mercedes at approximately 62mph in a 20mph zone. He collided head-on with a Volkswagen Polo, killing its driver and seriously injuring two passengers.

Details of the Collision

The incident occurred when Manallari attempted to overtake another vehicle by crossing into oncoming traffic on Hoe Street. The Volkswagen Polo, carrying four occupants, was travelling in the opposite direction. The driver of the Polo, 20-year-old Abdul Hasseeb Akram, died from his injuries in April 2024. Two passengers in the Polo, aged 13 and 14, sustained severe injuries. The 13-year-old suffered fractures to his legs, while the 14-year-old sustained a skull fracture, a broken neck, rib fractures, lung injuries, a fractured wrist, a fractured femur, and nerve damage to his vocal chords. The court heard that Manallari had been driving without a licence and without third-party insurance.

Prosecutor Sam Barker told the court that Manallari fled the scene after the collision. He was later identified through DNA left at the crash site and arrested following a manhunt operation led by Detective Constable Adam Lewis of the Metropolitan Police. Manallari had pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, using a vehicle without third-party insurance, and failing to stop after a road accident.

Sentencing and Remorse

Her Honour Judge Angela Rafferty KC stated that at the speed and position Manallari was driving, he “didn’t give the victims much of a chance at all”. Manallari received concurrent sentences of two years imprisonment for each of the two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He also received a one-month concurrent sentence for each of the other offences. In addition to the prison sentence, Manallari has been disqualified from driving for 16 years and must pass an extended test if he wishes to drive again. A letter of remorse was read in court on Manallari's behalf, expressing his deep sorrow and acceptance of full responsibility for the death he caused. The family of Abdul Hasseeb Akram stated that they forgive him.

Detective Constable Adam Lewis commented that the case was a "tragic" and "needless tragedy" caused by Manallari's "dangerous decision". He added that the survivors had shown "incredible resilience under horrific circumstances" and noted Manallari's lack of courage in remaining at the scene.