On July 13 last year, Ibraheem Anwar, 23, was driving an Audi A4 in Rusholme, Manchester when he mowed down a 14-year-old boy he believed had stolen his friend’s phone. The incident left the teenager with severe injuries, including a fractured pelvis, damage to his lungs, spleen, and head, but he ultimately made a full recovery. Anwar claimed that prior to the incident, he had met friends and was travelling to the Curry Mile on Wilmslow Road. According to Anwar, the boy had offered to sell them cannabis, which Anwar’s friend declined. The boy then allegedly ran off with his friend’s phone. Anwar claimed he did not intend to harm the boy.
The incident, captured on CCTV footage, showed the boy attempting to get away, but falling onto the road as Anwar’s car continued to drive at him, crushing him underneath the vehicle. Anwar later handed himself in to the police, expressing regret and stating it was a mistake. Prosecutors argued that Anwar intentionally drove over the teenager, but the defendant maintained that he did not know the boy was underneath the car and was attempting to block him to retrieve the phone. Despite Anwar’s claims, a jury found him guilty of causing grievous bodily harm and sentenced him to two-and-a-half years in jail, along with a three-year and three-month driving ban.
Anwar’s lawyer, Russell Fortt, emphasized his client’s genuine remorse and acknowledged the disproportionate nature of the defendant’s actions. The judge, Hilary Manley, recognized Anwar’s remorse and noted that while the incident was a spur-of-the-moment decision, it was still wholly disproportionate and resulted in serious harm to the victim. Anwar was cleared of attempted murder but was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm due to his actions on that fateful day in Rusholme. The court heard that the victim, despite not cooperating with the prosecution, was found with a machete, adding complexity to the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Anwar’s sentencing serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of reckless actions and the importance of controlling emotions in heated situations. The incident highlights the need for individuals to exercise restraint and seek legal recourse rather than resorting to vigilante behavior. While Anwar expressed regret and admitted wrongdoing, his actions had a lasting impact on the victim, underscoring the importance of accountability. The case also raises questions about the role of peer influence and impulsive decision-making in criminal behavior, prompting reflection on how individuals navigate challenges and conflicts in their lives.
Ultimately, Anwar’s case calls attention to the complexities of human behavior, the need for effective conflict resolution strategies, and the implications of impulsivity in high-stress situations. The repercussions of his actions on that day in Rusholme reverberate through the lives of all involved, emphasizing the lasting impact of rash decisions. As society grapples with issues of justice, responsibility, and empathy, Anwar’s story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked emotions and the importance of upholding the rule of law in maintaining a just and equitable society.
