Moped Rider Who Injured Toddler in Acton Jailed
Raaid Ressaf drove through red light after taking cannabis
19-year-old Raaid Ressaf imprisoned for three and a half years
A 19-year-old man has been jailed for three and a half years after pleading guilty to seriously injuring a three-year-old girl at a pedestrian crossing.
Raaid Ressaf, of Medway Gardens, Wembley, was convicted at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday, 20 December of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He also admitted to being over the prescribed limit for cannabis and driving without a licence or insurance.
He was also disqualified from driving for 21 months (to start when he is released from prison) and he must pass an extended driving test when he is eligible to drive again.
Toddler Daisy was crossing The Vale in Acton with her family in the early evening on Tuesday 8, June when Ressaf ran a red light and hit her near the junction with Bromyard Avenue.
Daisy was on a pedestrian crossing and Ressaf passed a line of stationary vehicles before running her over. Paramedics from London’s Air Ambulance placed her in an induced coma before transporting her to St Mary’s Hospital.
Daisy before the collision that changed her life. Picture: JustGiving
Her injuries were so serious that they were regarded as life-threatening but she has since made a recovery and, now aged four, she is back at home although she still needs care for life-changing injuries.
Ressaf had only bought the moped the day before the collision. He had a provisional licence but it had been revoked just over a week before on Friday, 28 May. He stopped at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drugs.
Pedestrian crossing on The Vale near Agnes Road. Picture: Google Streetview
Detective Constable Davina Nash, the investigating officer from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said, “Ressaf has finally taken responsibility for his actions after pleading guilty, which he had no choice but to do given the overwhelming evidence we collected against him.
“His dangerous actions on that day turned a family’s life upside down and caused them agonising pain and worry. Thankfully she pulled through, but she has been left with life-changing injuries and still requires a lot of care, all because of Ressaf’s irresponsible driving.
“I hope Ressaf’s sentencing makes people think twice before driving recklessly and going through red lights, which are red for a reason - to keep all road users safe.”
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December 22, 2021