Park Royal A40 crash: Man admits causing death by dangerous driving

A man has pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving following a horror crash which saw a Range Rover left crumpled on Tube tracks in west London.

Rida Kazem, 23, was driving a Range Rover carrying Yagmur Ozden, 33, when he hit a Tesla parked in a dealership by Park Royal station and ended up on the line on August 22 2022.

Ms Ozden died in the crash and another passenger, Zamarod Arif, was injured.

At Isleworth Crown Court on Thursday Kazem also pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Kazem, who lost a leg in the crash, is due to appear at the same court on April 21 for sentencing. Ms Arif’s injuries were not life-threatening.

An inquest opened in August into Ms Ozden’s death heard she had lived in Finchley and was born in Baghdad, Iraq.

She worked as an eyelash technician in London and was a mother to a 12-year-old daughter.

In a tribute, her family described Miss Ozden,  as “an angel” who could “cheer the saddest person up.”

“She was an amazing and supportive mother,” they said. “She had an amazing bond with her daughter and her daughter will always cherish those moments she had with her mum.”

Kazem had two previous speeding offences with his most recent offence involving him travelling at 95 mph in 50mph road for which he received a disqualification from the court.

This driving ban ended in June 2022 just months prior to this fatal collision in August 2022.

DC Benjamin Simpson, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "This collision occurred at an incredibly high speed on a public road and the damage caused was extensive.

“I am grateful to all the support we have had from the parties who were involved in the collision and members of the public who assisted us.

"This case was truly horrific and I acknowledge the impact this has had on both the local community and the wider public. I would also like to thank the media for respecting Yagmur’s family’s privacy at this time and throughout the investigation

"This was a difficult case and the police conducted an incredibly thorough and swift investigation which brought this offender to justice.

“The guilty pleas entered today by the defendant are a promising step forward in the way of justice.

“I hope that the sentence imposed by the court will be of comfort to all the victims of this collision and their loved ones moving forwards."