Two Indian-Origin Men Sentenced to 28 Years for Fatal UK Car Crash
Jasskamal Riyat and Hardeep Bhachu receive lengthy prison terms after a deadly street race resulted in the deaths of a mother and daughter.
Jasskamal Riyat sentenced to 16 years, Hardeep Bhachu to 12 years.
The incident occurred in January 2023 while the victims were walking to school.
Both men received a six-year driving ban following their convictions.
In a tragic incident that has drawn significant attention, two men of Indian origin, Jasskamal Riyat, 37, and Hardeep Bhachu, 29, have been sentenced to a combined total of 28 years in prison for their roles in a fatal car crash in northern England. The incident occurred in January 2023 when the two men were racing their high-performance vehicles along Scott Hall Road, resulting in the deaths of Justyna Hulboj, 27, and her four-year-old daughter, Lena Czepczor, who were walking to school at the time.
The court heard that Riyat and Bhachu did not know each other prior to the race. Minutes before the collision, they engaged in conversation through their car windows while waiting at a traffic light. Dashcam footage revealed that they congratulated each other on their cars' power, with Riyat encouraging Bhachu to race. Shortly after, they began racing, with Bhachu's Audi TT RS reaching speeds of nearly 90 mph on a road with a 40 mph limit. He lost control of his vehicle, mounted the pavement, and struck the mother and daughter.
Bhachu pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in June 2024 and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Riyat, despite clear evidence against him, denied responsibility and was found guilty of two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, receiving a 16-year sentence. Both men were also issued a six-year driving ban and will be required to pass extended driving tests before regaining their licenses.
Judge Ray Singh, addressing the court, emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating, "A road is not a race track. A powerful car is not an invitation to test its limits on a public road." He highlighted the irreversible consequences of their reckless driving, which resulted in the tragic loss of life.
Detective Inspector Paul Conroy of the West Yorkshire Police expressed condolences to the victims' family, acknowledging the long wait for justice. He stated, "This sentencing hearing marks the end of a long criminal justice process for Justyna and Lena's family. I know that the wait for justice has taken its toll. My thoughts are firmly with them today."
