Careless driver who ploughed into girl, 4, celebrating Eid pictured for first time

A careless driver who killed a child after he crashed into a family celebrating Eid, has been pictured for the first time.

Mayar Yahia, aged 4, was walking with her loved ones on Upper Highgate Street, Birmingham, when disaster struck on April 14, last year. Birmingham Crown Court heard that two vehicles collided and a Corsa smashed past a barrier and into the group.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and found Mayar on the roadside. Sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene, whilst her mother and neighbour were left severely injured. The driver of the Corsa, Javonnie Tavener, was charged with causing death by careless driving, causing death whilst driving uninsured and two counts of causing serious injury by careless driving.

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The 23-year-old appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday, July 30, and admitted all charges. Tavener has been remanded in custody is due to be sentenced at a later date, reports Birmingham Live.

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from WMP'S serious collision investigation unit, said: "Mayar was just four years old when her life was tragically taken away from her. She was walking back with her family and friends after celebrating Eid.

"Pedestrians should be afforded and be reassured of protection when walking on the pavement and a split-second decision by Tavener to overtake where he did has led to this tragic chain of events. I would urge all drivers to think about this incident and how those decisions can have such catastrophic consequences."

The tragedy shocked the city and prompted renewed calls for improved road safety measures and tougher enforcement against bad drivers. The road where Mayar died is now due to be pedestrianised following a campaign led by the family and Better Streets for Birmingham campaigners. It will prevent traffic from accessing a section of Upper Highgate Street near New Hope Community Park.