"This tragedy was completely avoidable"
A van driver who killed a three-year-old girl while high on cocaine has been jailed for 12 years after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.
Rawal Rehman struck Louisa “Lulu” Palmisano as she walked with her parents in Manchester city centre on February 22, 2025.
Manchester Crown Court heard Rehman had consumed “at least 20 lines of cocaine” in the hours leading up to the crash.
Rehman was driving his Mercedes Sprinter van on Mosley Street when he collided with a tram before the fatal collision.
CCTV footage shown in court captured Lulu walking hand-in-hand with her parents before the van veered into them.
Prosecutor Rachel Shenton said: “Despite prominent stop signs and road markings, the defendant did not stop at the junction.”
She added that although Rehman’s van had a lapsed MOT and mechanical defects, none contributed directly to the crash.
After the vehicle came to a halt, Rehman exited, picked up his mobile phone, and left the scene without checking on the family or calling for help.
Rehman fled the scene in a taxi before he was arrested at a restaurant two days later, as police had traced him from documents found in his van.
Lulu was taken to hospital, but she died from her injuries a short while later.
In his police interview, Rehman claimed his driving had not been dangerous, but he pleaded guilty to the charge at his third court hearing on April 22.
Defence lawyer David Toal said Rehman had confessed to several facts unknown to the prosecution, suggesting he was taking responsibility.
He said: “An aggravating factor is that he left the scene – there is no excuse for this.
“His explanation is that he panicked and that panic turned into shock when he learned via social media that a young girl had lost her life.”
Rehman was jailed for 12 years. He was also banned from driving for 13 years.
Lulu’s family issued a statement after the hearing.
They said:
“Louisa was the sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl.”
“She was full of creativity and joy, and she absolutely loved going to nursery every day.
“Her absence has left a devastating void in our family – she was our only child, our whole world.
“We were simply enjoying a happy family day out in Manchester when this unimaginable tragedy struck.
“In an instant, our lives were shattered beyond repair.
“The pain of losing her is unbearable, and we miss her more than words can ever express.”
Detective Inspector Andrew Page, from Greater Manchester Police, added:
“Rehman’s callous actions on that fatal day have changed a family’s lives forever.
“This tragedy was completely avoidable and Rehman must now face the consequences of his actions.”
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