Neil Wilby Media

Omar Choudhury (DoB 3.4.2001) of Broadway, Royton and Hamidur Rahman (6.6.1999) of Tilbury Street, Oldham, have been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court.

Both have been sentenced to 14 years in prison, with a requirement to serve two-thirds of that time in custody. Additionally, they have both been disqualified from driving for a minimum of 12 years.

This tragic incident unfolded on the early afternoon of Thursday, 23rd February 2023, resulting in the loss of 16-year-old Alisha Goup‘s life as she walked to Oldham Sixth Form College, where she was a student.

The incident occurred on Rochdale Road, a busy main road with footpaths, bus stops, a zebra crossing, and residential and business properties. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Alisha (pictured above) was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the incident.

Choudhury and Rahman were found guilty following an investigation that revealed their irresponsible and catastrophic actions. The evidential CCTV footage used by officers showed both individuals racing through the streets of Oldham, overtaking cars on St Mary’s Way and Chadderton Way before heading along Rochdale Road, where Rahman turned off onto Coldhurst Street. Rahman was driving a BMW 1 series, without insurance.

These reckless actions, marked by excessive speed and erratic driving, led to a collision that tragically claimed Alisha’s life. Despite the collision and the damage caused, Choudhury continued to drive through traffic lights and away from the scene, eventually coming to a stop outside Royal Oldham Hospital. He was detained at the scene by members of the public until officers arrived.

During initial interactions with the police, Choudhury displayed a lack of awareness of the consequences of his actions, stating, “I was going too fast because I was trying to get away.” Later, after his arrest and treatment, he asked, “Have I killed someone?”

A reconstruction by Forensic Examiners determined that Choudhury was traveling at over double the speed limit (66mph) only metres before the collision. Rahman was arrested a few days later in connection with the incident.

The court found Rahman guilty due to his significant involvement, which contributed to Alisha losing her life in extremely distressing circumstances. Evidence recovered from Choudhury’s phone showed his reckless behaviour, including driving at high speeds on multiple occasions.

Alisha’s parents, in their victim personal statements, expressed their profound loss and described her as a caring, selfless, and sensible girl who was the glue that held their family together. They emphasized the tragedy of her death occurring on a pavement, a place where safety should be guaranteed.

Police Sergeant Louise Warhurst, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, stated, “Omar Choudhury and Hamidur Rahman were treating the public highway as their personal race track with no regard whatsoever for all other members of the public using the roads in Oldham that day.” She thanked the members of the public who assisted in the investigation and extended condolences to Alisha’s family and friends.

PS Warhurst also issued a warning to dangerous drivers, emphasising that Greater Manchester Police is committed to dealing with them robustly to ensure the safety of communities. GMP’s Operation Considerate continues to address road safety issues, allowing the public to report incidents directly to officers.

Reports related to road traffic incidents can be made online by visiting Report a road traffic incident | Greater Manchester Police, or for incidents involving a fail to stop or injury road traffic collision, individuals should contact 101 or dial 999 in emergencies.

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Page last updated: Wednesday 13th September, 2023 at 18h05

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