A minicab driver in Borough, south London, was cleared of causing death and injury after his electric car allegedly moved on its own, killing a 5-year-old boy and injuring his son in 2022.
Driver Found Not Guilty in Death of Five-Year-Old
The driver of an electric car has been found not guilty of causing the death of a five-year-old boy. The driver claimed the car “jumped” forward on its own, crashing into the boy and injuring his own 12-year-old son.
Incident Details
Minicab driver Ashenafei Demissie, 53, was driving a Volkswagen ID.4 when it suddenly accelerated forward. This incident occurred on November 25, 2022, resulting in the death of Fareed Amir and serious injuries to Demissie’s son.
Trial Proceedings
During the week-long trial at the Old Bailey, a prosecution crash expert stated that Demissie accidentally pressed the accelerator. However, Demissie insisted that the vehicle moved forward on its own, suggesting a possible software fault.
After five hours of deliberation, the jury found him not guilty of causing death and serious injury by careless driving.
Jurors’ Information
Jurors were not informed that about a dozen electric vehicle owners contacted legal teams after publicity around the case. Some of these owners drove the same model as Demissie.
Events Leading to the Incident
On the afternoon of November 25, Demissie had picked up his younger son from school. He parked his leased Volkswagen ID.4 outside his home in Borough, south London, and waited for a parking space.
Fareed Amir, 5, died after being hit by the vehicle, which Demissie claimed ‘jumped forward’ on its own.
Details of the Collision
The two boys were playing nearby. Demissie had just offered Fareed a lollipop when the vehicle suddenly moved forward, striking them and crashing into five parked cars.
Fareed later died from his injuries, while Demissie’s son sustained multiple fractures to his lower legs. The crash was witnessed by both boys’ mothers.
Police Interview Statements
In a police interview, Demissie said, “Suddenly the car jumped. I believe the car jumped because Fareed triggered the sensor. I had never had any mechanical problems with the car before.”
He described the incident as “just like a moment of madness,” stating he tried to brake but it was too late.
Demissie recalled his son saying, “Daddy hurts, daddy hurts, broken, daddy hurts,” as he covered his son to shield him from seeing his injury.
Testimony and Investigation Findings
Demissie expressed that Fareed’s death brought him “never-ending pain.” When asked if he pressed the accelerator, he replied, “Never. I didn’t touch it.”
A Metropolitan Police traffic collision investigator believed the incident was due to “pedal misapplication” by Demissie. He found no evidence of a technical fault with the vehicle.
Mark Still stated, “I was unable to find any defect that contributed to the collision. You had to make an action to make the vehicle move.”
However, he admitted he was not a computer expert or software engineer.
Verdict and Court Remarks
Following the verdict, Judge Alexia Durran KC thanked Fareed’s family for their “dignity” throughout the trial.
The Independent has contacted VW for comment.
Summary of Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Driver | Ashenafei Demissie, 53 |
| Vehicle | Volkswagen ID.4 |
| Incident Date | November 25, 2022 |
| Victim | Fareed Amir, 5 |
| Injured | Demissie’s son, 12 |
| Jury Verdict | Not guilty |
