Two motorists sentenced for fatal street racing in Leeds

Two men have been sentenced to 12 and 16 years in prison following a fatal street racing incident in Leeds, United Kingdom, which occurred on January 16, 2023. The tragedy took place during the morning rush hour when 29-year-old Hardeep Bachu, driving a white Audi TT, and 37-year-old Jaskamal Riyat, driving a black BMW 135i, engaged in an impromptu race on the A61 road. Reaching speeds of up to 145 kilometers per hour, the vehicles lost control, mounting the pavement and striking 27-year-old Justyna Hulboy and her four-year-old daughter, Lena Czepczor, as they walked to a nursery. Both victims were killed instantly.

The Leeds Crown Court heard that the two drivers did not know each other but began competing after meeting at a traffic light. Authorities released video evidence documenting the dangerous conduct, which led to their conviction. The sentences mark the legal conclusion to a case that highlighted the lethal consequences of illegal street racing in public areas.