Driver jailed for causing grandmother's death in airport crash

In the UK, on September 26, 2022, Naeem Shahani, a 39-year-old airport 'meet and greet' driver from Dagenham, London, was involved in a tragic car crash near Stansted Airport. While working, Shahani lost control of a customer's Range Rover around a bend and collided head-on with a Mitsubishi Shogun. This unfortunate incident occurred in the village of Takeley at approximately 3:20 PM. Phyllis Willis, an 84-year-old passenger in the Mitsubishi, died at the scene, while the other driver suffered multiple injuries and spent nearly two weeks hospitalized due to the severity of her wounds. Following the incident, law enforcement launched an investigation that led to Naeem Shahani facing legal charges of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving. Although he initially denied the charges, a five-day trial held at Chelmsford Crown Court concluded with a guilty verdict, prompting sentencing. On a recent court appearance, Shahani was sentenced to two years and four months in prison. Furthermore, he received a driving ban lasting six years and four months and was required to pass an extended driving re-test before he could drive again. Phyllis Willis's family expressed their heartbreak over her unexpected death, highlighting the deep loss experienced by her loved ones. They shared a statement commemorating her life, describing her as a mother to five sons and a cherished grandmother. Detective Sergeant Sam Nason, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, remarked on the tragedy of the incident and the impact it has had on the family and the community. The case highlights the critical nature of road safety and the consequences of dangerous driving, which can result in devastating outcomes for victims and their families. This incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities drivers hold, particularly for those employed in professional driving roles, where they are entrusted with the safety of passengers and other road users. The court's decision to impose a prison sentence and driving ban further underscores the serious nature of Shahani's actions leading to the accident.