Family escaped room moments before speeding driver ploughed into it

by · Mail Online

A family were left unable to live in their home for several months after a speeding driver crashed into their property during a 130mph police chase.

Samin Ahmed, 19, was seen overtaking three vehicles in his father's BMW before he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a house in Church Lane, Westfield, near Hastings.

The family had been in the living room just minutes before the collision and an estimated £357,000 worth of structural damage was caused to their home as a result of the crash.

Ahmed, formerly a security doorman, of Tavistock Road, Bromley, admitted dangerous driving and causing criminal damage at Lewes Crown Court on November 7.

He was sentenced and was disqualified from driving for two years.

The court heard how the incident unfolded in the early hours of February 16 this year.

RPU officer PC Lloyd Archer was on patrol and saw the BMW driven by Ahmed at excessive speed in Coombe Valley Way.

After Ahmed had attempted a treble overtake, the police patrol activated blue lights, but he reached speeds of 110mph to evade officers.

Samin Ahmed, 19, was seen overtaking three vehicles in his father's BMW before he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a house in Church Lane, Westfield, near Hastings
The family had been in the living room just minutes before the collision and an estimated £357,000 worth of structural damage was caused to their home as a result of the crash

Ahmed travelled towards Bexhill before turning around at the roundabout junction with the A2691 and Mount View Street, and went back up the Coombe Valley Way towards Hastings at 130mph.

The speed limit on the A2690 is 60mph.

He turned left towards The Ridge and continued in excess of 100mph on his way to Westfield, where he lost control of the car and careered through the front of the house in Church Lane.

His DNA was found on the airbag which showed he had been driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Speaking at the case, PC Archer said: 'Ahmed's reckless driving was appalling.

'He risked his own life as well as the safety of every other road user and resident, and is extremely lucky he did not cause a fatality that night.

'We are determined to catch offenders and to prevent drivers causing harm to themselves and innocent members of the public.

Ahmed travelled towards Westfield where he lost control and careered through the front of the house in Church Lane
Ahmed's DNA was found on the airbag which showed he had been driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.

'So we are pleased that a dangerous driver has been taken off our roads.'

Ahmed was sentenced to an 18-month suspended prison sentence and was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to complete 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement sessions and to pay a £187 surcharge and £1,000 court costs.