Wakefield Van Driver Jailed Five Years for Email Distraction Causing Fatal Crash

Qabir Hussain, a 54-year-old van driver, was sentenced to five years in prison and disqualified from driving after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving for hitting and killing 85-year-old David Brooke in Wakefield. Hussain was using his mobile phone to check emails and browse the web moments before the collision, as confirmed by phone analysis. David Brooke's granddaughter expressed profound grief, describing him as a kind, loving man whose loss deeply affects the family. Detective Sergeant Nina Roper emphasized that using a phone while driving is a major cause of serious and fatal collisions and urged drivers to prioritize safety over phone use. Authorities highlight this case as a cautionary example of the tragic consequences of distracted driving and continue to promote road safety education as part of Vision Zero efforts to reduce road deaths and injuries. The phone was used to dial 999 seconds after the crash, underscoring the immediacy of the incident's aftermath.