ShareSaveShareSaveMetropolitan PoliceAalia Mahomed was in her second year of studying for a degree in physics and philosophyA van driver who hit and killed a student in central London after driving into her at speed has been jailed for eight years.
Aalia Mahomed, 20, who was in her second year of studying a physics and philosophy degree at King's College London, died at the scene of the collision on the Strand on 18 March 2025.
The Old Bailey previously heard how Christopher Jackson of Southampton, drove a van into a metal gate, knocking it off its hinges, before hitting the bench where Aalia was sitting.
In February, the 27-year-old pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Making a victim impact statement to the court, Aalia's mother Samira Shafi described Aalia as the "most amazing daughter" and said losing her had left an "unbearable void".
"We were like sisters and best friends," she said.
Two others, Irem Yoldas and Yamin Belmessous, were also injured in the crash.
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