A pregnant woman tragically lost her unborn baby after a high-speed crash caused by a 16-year-old driver in Solihull. The reckless teenager, who purchased a BMW solely to impress friends, sped through wet streets, leading to a devastating collision that forever altered an innocent couple’s lives.
The Fatal Collision
On May 17, 2022, at around 7:30 p.m., Usman Qasim, then 16, launched his £650 BMW over a speed bump on slippery Cooks Lane in Chelmsley Wood. The vehicle became airborne, skidded across the road, and collided head-on with a Toyota Aygo driven by Rumana Akhtar, who was 14 weeks pregnant.
Rumana Akhtar suffered severe internal bleeding, requiring multiple surgeries. She ultimately lost her baby and now faces uncertainty about her future fertility. Her husband sustained minor injuries in the impact. Prosecutor Thomas Griffiths described how Akhtar’s husband witnessed the blue BMW hurtling over the bump at excessive speed before veering into their lane, causing massive damage to both vehicle and occupants.
Qasim fled the scene, while one passenger remained to assist the victims. That individual was briefly arrested but later cleared after stating he had urged Qasim to slow down.
Investigation and Identification
Evidence from a phone recovered at the scene revealed Qasim’s Facebook messages about buying the car that day, along with timestamped photos and videos of him driving shortly before the crash at 7:17 p.m. and 7:32 p.m. Police used these images in a public appeal, leading to Qasim’s identification in April 2023—nearly a year later.
Now 19 and residing on Wychbold Crescent in Kitts Green, Qasim has prior convictions for careless driving, driving without a license, and without insurance. He was released from detention in early 2025.
Sentencing Outcome
Qasim pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. On March 9, he arrived late to Birmingham Crown Court, claiming fear and a desire for his “last free minutes.” Judge Stacy Newnham-Payne emphasized the life-changing consequences, noting his deliberate disregard for road rules and excessive speed—estimated at 40-50 mph in a 30 mph zone—on a hazardous road.
Despite the gravity, he received an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years, a two-year driving ban, 20 days of rehabilitation, and 200 hours of unpaid work. Factors including his youth at the time, subsequent life changes, and prosecution delay influenced the decision. His barrister, Antonie Muller, highlighted Qasim’s college enrollment, aspirations to own a gym, and commitment to mental health support, stating he has turned his life around and expresses deep remorse.
The judge acknowledged his educational progress and separation from negative influences, reducing the sentence by 50% due to his age, allowing suspension.
Victim’s Lasting Trauma
Rumana Akhtar shared her profound grief: “Emotionally I’m a wreck. I lost my baby and I’m still grieving.” She battles PTSD, anxiety in vehicles, and disruption to her active lifestyle, which once included two jobs, gym sessions, and mountain climbing. Family remains central, yet fertility concerns loom large post-crash.
