Bilal Tahir, 29, has been jailed for 15 years following a fatal crash on the M20 near West Kingsdown on 17 October 2022. The speeding driver was travelling at speeds exceeding 100mph in heavy rain before colliding with two women on the hard shoulder, resulting in their deaths.
Kent Police used GPS data for the first time in a collision case in the county to secure the conviction.
On the morning of the crash, standing water on the motorway caused Dr Habiba Hajallie to lose control of her vehicle and end up facing the wrong way on the hard shoulder. Lisa Webber and Mark Heap stopped to assist her but were struck by Tahir’s BMW X5, which was travelling at nearly 100mph. Both women died at the scene, while Mr Heap was seriously injured.
Although Tahir initially denied speeding during a police interview, vehicle and mobile phone data revealed he had been consistently driving above the speed limit. Five seconds before impact, he was recorded at 98mph and lost control after hitting water on the road.
At the Old Bailey on 5 June 2026, Tahir pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison and received a 16-year driving ban.
Detective Constable Jim Galbraith said, “Bilal Tahir was speeding recklessly in appalling weather conditions, showing a complete disregard for the safety of others. His actions devastated multiple lives. Kent Police will continue to take strong action against dangerous drivers.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
