A man who crashed into and killed another driver while treating the roads 'like a race track' has been locked up.

In September of 2018, Ashraf Salem, who was driving a Range Rover at over 140mph on the A12, lost control of his car near the Greenman Underpass between Leytonstone and Wanstead and crashed into an Audi being driven Osama Sayam.

The crash, which happened shortly after 2am, claimed the 29-year-old's life.

Two of Salem’s passengers were also injured. Both are still recovering from the incident.

Siwan Hayward, director of policing at Transport for London, said: “Our roads are not a race track and Salem’s utterly unacceptable behaviour shows the devastating consequences of dangerous driving and speeding."

Salem, of Crossharbour Plaza, Isle of Dogs, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday, September 25 where he was sentenced to eight years and three months in prison after his dangerous driving lead to 29-year-old Osama Sayam dying in 2018.

At an earlier hearing, the 24-year-old had admitted one count of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Following sentencing, Osama’s sister Izzy paid tribute to her brother: "Our beloved Ozzy was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend who was always smiling and put the needs of others before his own. Although he is no longer with us in person, he has left us with everlasting beautiful memories and will forever be in our thoughts and heart."

Detective Sergeant Edward Coleman, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, added: “This is a heart-breaking tale, where a young man has lost his life due to the selfish and utterly reckless actions of another road user. The speed which Salem was travelling was quite frankly horrifying and he should be ashamed of himself.

“There can be no doubt that Salem’s speed killed Osama. I can only hope that this case serves as a stark warning to other road users that speed is lethal.

“Osama’s family are rightly devastated by his sudden and tragic death, I hope Salem’s prison sentence offers some comfort as they continue to grieve.”

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