Man From Acton Killed Woman While Speeding on M40

Jury dismisses his claim that collision was caused by mechanical fault

Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed. Picture: Thames Valley Police

November 13, 2024

A 33-year-old man from Acton has been jailed for three years and four months after being found guilty of causing death by careless driving.

Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed of Warple Way was driving at excessive speed in a Mazda 3 northbound on the M40 on 7 November 2021.

He was seen undertaking and tailgating other vehicles between Junction 8 and Junction 9 in Bicester.

As he approached Shabbington, he swerved from the third lane on the carriageway to the first lane and collided with another vehicle, a white MG being driven by 61-year-old Simon Matthews and his 57-year-old wife Helen.

Both vehicles left the carriageway onto the verge where they rolled a number of times. Mrs Matthews died at the scene while Mr Matthews received life-threatening injuries to his head and chest but was saved by paramedics who arrived by an Air Ambulance.

Mohamed sustained minor injuries which required hospital treatment.

He was found guilty of one count of causing death by careless driving on 17 September following a seven-day trial at Aylesbury Crown Court. His jail sentence was handed out on 1 November at the same court.

He was also disqualified from driving for four years and ten months, will need to take an extended driving test to get his licence back, was ordered to pay £1,000 prosecution costs and forfeiture of the vehicle.

Investigating officer DC Elizabeth Scurlock said: “The precise and accurate reason for Mr Mohamed losing control of his vehicle remains unclear.

“He is the only person who could tell the Matthews family and the investigation but he has chosen not to.

“We learnt of his defence case in July 2024 whereby he suggested that there was an unknown mechanical default with his vehicle.

“The jury did not agree with him.

“He has finally been held accountable for his selfish actions that day.”

She added, “This was a senseless piece of driving from him that was completely avoidable on his part.

“The decisions he made that day tragically and sadly resulted in the death of Helen and serious injury to Simon.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the witnesses for their support and commitment to our investigation since November 2021.

“We would not be able to successfully piece together an investigation without members of the public coming forward and assisting us all the way through to a conclusion.

“Finally I would like to pay tribute to the Matthews family who have acted with dignity and respect throughout the court process.

“They were unfortunately placed in a position by Mr Mohamed to re-live moments of the day of the collision which was difficult and painful for them.

“I hope that the conviction will go some way in helping with their continuing recovery from the tragic loss of Helen who was a much-loved wife, sister, daughter, aunt and a dear friend to many.”