See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy KATHERINE LAWTON, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 15:05 BST, 25 August 2026 | Updated: 15:08 BST, 25 August 2026
A BMW driver accused of racing an Audi TT before an 89mph crash that killed a mother and her daughter as they walked to nursery has denied causing death by dangerous driving.Justyna Hulboj, 27, and four-year-old Lena Czepczor were hit by the Audi as they walked on the pavement on Scott Hall Road in Leeds, West Yorkshire, on January 16, 2023.Jasskamal Riyat, 37, who was behind the wheel of a powerful black BMW M135i, denies he was racing the Audi.The Audi was travelling at nearly 90mph on the 40mph road just moments before it lost control and collided with Justyna and Lena, Leeds Crown Court heard. The Audi driver, Hardeep Bhachu, has admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and is yet to be sentenced. Riyat denies the same offences.Prosecutor Carmel Pearson told the jury: 'Just because he [Riyat] did not crash, this does not mean he escapes responsibility for these deaths.'He was also driving dangerously on that road. It's the prosecution's case that they both drove dangerously at speeds that outstripped other road users, weaving in and out of traffic close to each other and other cars.'Neither driver showed regard to other road users and those more vulnerable - pedestrians. Jasskamal Riyat, 37, was driving a grey BMW 135i when he allegedly chose to race Hardeep BhachuJustyna Hulboj, 27, and four-year-old Lena Czepczor, were killed in the collision while on their way to nursery Although Riyat did not crash his car, prosecutors said he is equally responsible for the crash'They were racing and competitive.'Ms Pearson later told the jury: 'This was not just an unspeakable tragedy, but an entirely foreseeable event.'Footage from inside Riyat's car was played to the jury, showing him and Bhachu communicating through their windows as they waited at traffic lights, appearing to congratulate each other on the power of their respective cars.Riyat could be heard laughing as the Audi accelerated away and was heard saying: 'He is gone'.The cars allegedly began to race from Potternewton Lane roundabout, heading down towards Leeds city centre.Justyna and Lena were walking along Scott Hall Road, near to the Land Rover and Jaguar dealership, at around 8.30am that morning on their way to nursery.The white Audi TT hit a kerb and lost control, mounting the pavement and hitting the mother and daughter, close to the dealership.Police at the scene of the crash which killed two pedestrians on Scott Hall Road, Leeds Flowers and teddy bears at the scene of the fatal crash which killed the mother and daughterRiyat continued to film the crashed car as he passed by and left the scene, going to work.Bhachu and Riyat were not charged until May 2023.Bhachu, of Adel, admitted guilt and asked to be remanded into custody to 'take responsibility' and 'begin serving the inevitable sentence'.Riyat, of Moortown, maintains he was not driving dangerously.The trial continues and is expected to be completed by the end of the week.
