Speeding Driver left Woman with Fractured Spine after Crash

Ibraheem Bostan, aged 22, of Bradford, was jailed for 18 months after he caused a four-car crash that left a woman with a fractured spine.

Bradford Crown Court heard that the incident happened at 1 am on June 20, 2021.

David McGonigal, prosecuting, said Bostan and his male passenger were on their way from Queensbury to a snooker club in the Leeds Road area when the car suddenly began speeding.

The VW Passat reached 50mph, which the passenger considered to be too fast. Bostan then increased his speed again as it approached traffic waiting at Bridge Street.

Bostan approached a line of stationary vehicles before hitting the rear offside of a Seat, spinning it into another vehicle.

A fourth car was also involved in the smash that left the victim trapped in the Seat and fearing a fire because she smelt smoke and petrol.

People rushed to help. The fire service arrived and cut the roof off the Seat to free her.

Bostan fled while his passenger was initially trapped before managing to get out of the driver’s door. The passenger also left the scene but his mother called the police to say he was in the Passat.

He then spoke to officers while he was at the hospital being treated.

The victim was taken to Leeds General Infirmary with a spinal fracture. She underwent a six-hour operation to insert screws and a metal rod into her back and remained in hospital until July 7.

Mr McGonigal said Bostan rang the police to report that his car had been stolen. He was arrested at his home and he told officers that he panicked after the crash.

Bostan pleaded guilty to causing serious injury and failing to stop after an accident.

In an impact statement, the victim said she had been unable to continue her job with the local authority and was now on benefits.

She had been in indescribable pain after the crash was initially unable to walk. She now uses a stick.

The victim’s mental health was severely affected, leaving her with panic attacks and suffering huge anxiety whenever she is a passenger in a car.

In mitigation, Andrew Dallas said Bostan was 21 at the time. He has since married and his wife is expecting their first child. He also runs a successful business.

Mr Dallas said after the crash, Bostan made “the ridiculous decision” to run off when it was his car and he was bound to be traced. He is remorseful about his actions.

Recorder Richard Wright QC said Bostan had greatly increased his speed before the collision. He went to cut into the third filter lane and hit the stationary car.

Afterwards, he ran off from the crash scene in a “selfish and cowardly way”.

In a bid to evade responsibility, Bostan reported the car as stolen.

Bostan was jailed for 18 months. He was also banned from driving for two years and nine months.