Girl, four, hit by car and killed walking back from Eid celebration with mum

A careless driver hit and killed a four-year-old girl as she walked back from Eid celebrations with her family.

Mayar Yahia was on Upper Highgate Street, Birmingham, when a Corsa hurtled past a barrier and into a group of pedestrians in April last year.

She was pronounced dead at the roadside while her mother Sara and their neighbour were left seriously injured.

Javonnie Tavener, 23, was charged with causing death by careless driving, causing death whilst driving uninsured and two counts of causing serious injury by careless driving.

He appeared at Birmingham Crown Court and admitted all charges.

Tavener has been remanded in custody is due to be sentenced at a later date.

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from WMP’S serious collision investigation unit, said: ‘Mayar was just four years old when her life was tragically taken away from her.

‘She was walking back with her family and friends after celebrating Eid.

‘Pedestrians should be afforded and be reassured of protection when walking on the pavement and a split-second decision by Tavener to overtake where he did has led to this tragic chain of events.

‘I would urge all drivers to think about this incident and how those decisions can have such catastrophic consequences.’

The tragedy shocked the city and prompted renewed calls for improved road safety measures and tougher enforcement against bad drivers.

The road where Mayar died is now due to be pedestrianised following a campaign led by the family and Better Streets for Birmingham campaigners.

It will prevent traffic from accessing a section of Upper Highgate Street near New Hope Community Park.

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