A van driver has pleaded guilty to killing university student Aalia Mahomed in a fatal collision on the Strand in central London.
Mahomed, 20, was in her second year studying physics and philosophy at King’s College London when she was struck on 18 March 2025. She died at the scene.
Christopher Jackson, 27, from Southampton, appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday, where he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The court previously heard that Jackson’s van collided with a metal gate, knocking it off its hinges, before striking a bench where Mahomed was sitting. Two other people, Irem Yoldas and Yamin Belmessous, were injured in the incident.
During the hearing, Jackson appeared sombre and kept his head bowed for much of the proceedings.
Prosecutor Fiona Robertson told the court that Mahomed’s family and the injured victims were anxious for sentencing to take place before the anniversary of the crash.
Judge Philip Katz KC said: “It is inevitably going to be a substantial custodial sentence.”
Defence barrister Jessica Clarke said Jackson has three young children with his fiancée and had been trying to earn as much as possible to support his family. She added that the case did not involve alcohol, drugs, or excessive speed, describing it as a “tragic accident”.
Jackson was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on 6 March.
In a statement after the hearing, Mahomed’s family said their focus had always been on accountability and that they now wished to ensure a lasting legacy for her.
Detective Chief Superintendent Donna Smith from the Metropolitan Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said officers’ thoughts remained with the family and friends, adding that nothing could undo the tragedy but that the guilty plea may bring some comfort.
She also thanked members of the public who assisted at the scene and those who supported the investigation.