East Ham mum says sentence is ‘too lenient’ for woman who killed her son

Simon Draper, 33, of Roman Road, East Ham, died from serious injuries after being hit by a car in Barking Road, East Ham, on April 21, 2012.

On Thursday, March 26, the driver, Azra Walimohamed, 25, of Ernald Avenue, East Ham, was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving.

Following the sentencing at Croydon Crown Court, Simon’s mum, Barbara, has opened up about her “heartbreak” and “anger” calling the sentence “too lenient”.

Speaking to the Recorder, she said: “The price of my son’s life was a suspended sentence and this just does not make sense to me.

“What has happened to our code of truth and justice in this country when someone can take a life and then be told that they can just go free.

“Since Simon’s death, my entire family has suffered terribly. I’ve had a stroke, his father has been taken very ill and could not even attend court and now we feel like justice hasn’t been served.”

Walimohamed was also given a three year driving ban at the end of which she will have to sit an extended test.

Mrs Draper, 65, added: “I think it is absolutely ridiculous that people that have actually caused death by careless driving will ever be allowed on the road again.

“This accident cost my son’s life and to think she’ll drive again is just horrible.

“I have lost all my faith in the justice system. My son’s killer is just free to go and it is something I’ll now have to live with.”

Plumber, Simon had been for a night out with friends at a local pub before the accident.

Emergency services attended the scene and Simon was taken to the Royal London hospital with head, chest and leg injuries.

He died a short while later from his injuries.

Mrs Draper said: “Simon was such a wonderful man and everybody loved him.

“He was helpful and caring, he had so many friends and not a day goes by where I don’t remember my son.”