A recovery driver, Mohammed Azim, 41, is currently standing trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court. He is accused of murdering his 19-year-old girlfriend, Lily Whitehouse, on Bonfire Night last year in Oldbury, West Midlands.
Prosecutors allege that Azim deliberately used his Mercedes Sprinter van to trap Ms Whitehouse against a lamppost following a heated argument, which caused fatal injuries.
The deadly incident occurred on Old Park Lane shortly after Ms Whitehouse had visited her newborn baby in the neonatal unit at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley. Azim, who was celebrating his 41st birthday, was involved in a violent dispute with Ms Whitehouse, with whom he had an on-off relationship since 2023.
Prosecutor Rachel Brand KC told the court that Azim allegedly used his recovery van to pin Ms Whitehouse against a lamppost, inflicting catastrophic internal injuries. Instead of immediately calling emergency services, Azim is said to have lifted the injured woman back into his van and driven away from the scene.
West Midlands Police launched an investigation after paramedics were unable to save Ms Whitehouse at nearby Park Street. When questioned about the fatal injuries, Azim mostly responded with “no comment.” The prosecution is relying on vehicle impact data and Azim’s behaviour after the incident to support the murder charge.
Azim denies the murder charge. The defence will argue that Ms Whitehouse’s death was a tragic accident, possibly caused when she tripped and fell in front of the moving van.
The trial is expected to last around seven days and is being heard under a High Court judge.
Originally published by UKNIP.
