A student whose careless driving killed a trainee barrister on a pedestrian crossing has escaped imprisonment.
Foysal Ali, 24, drove through flashing amber lights, striking Victoria Johnson, 23, outside Mile End Tube station.
He was speeding at up to 37mph in the 30mph zone and should have “proceeded with caution” until the signal changed to green, the court heard.
Although Ali’s Ford Ka was roadworthy his horn was not working, preventing him warning the lawyer of Gray’s Inn Square chambers.
A jury at Snaresbrook crown court unanimously convicted Ali of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving following an eight-day trial.
But Judge Alan Pardoe, QC, said: “Having heard all the evidence, the sentence will not be immediate custody.” He ordered pre-sentence reports and bailed Ali until next month.
The judge told the victim’s family, of Stradbroke, Suffolk: “I’m sure anybody in court during this trial feels nothing but the deepest sympathy for those who knew and loved Victoria Johnson.”
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