The driver of a van, alleged to have caused the death of King’s student Aalia Mahomed and seriously injured two others at Strand Campus in March last year, has appeared in court.
Christopher Jackson, 27, of Walton Road, Southampton, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 5 January charged with one count of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
In the 15-minute hearing, Jackson spoke only to confirm his name, address and bail conditions from the dock.
At 11.41 am on Tuesday, 18 March, 20-year-old Aalia Mahomed, who was studying Physics and Philosophy at King’s, was struck by a van whilst sitting on a bench in the pedestrianised area of the Strand, south of Bush House. She died at the scene, despite the efforts of paramedics and bystanders.
Two other students, aged 27 and 23, were seriously injured and taken to hospital, and have since been discharged.
Prosecutor Rachel Darlington told the court that Jackson, who works as a vinyl installer, exited India House towards the pedestrianised area of the Strand and struck a gate with his vehicle.
In doing so, allegedly, the gate was knocked off its hinges, seriously injuring at least one person. The vehicle is then said to have mounted the flowerbeds and struck Aalia Mahomed, who was sitting down.
Jackson was initially arrested after the incident and bailed. He was charged on 1 December. His bail conditions were modified in the hearing, and he did not enter a plea.
He will next appear at the Old Bailey on Monday, 2 February.
Kaveh Kordestani is a staff writer for Roar
