Driver jailed for killing girl, 9, in horror crash as family pay tribute to 'funny, loving and gentle' daughter

A man who failed to stop at a red traffic light killing a 9-year-old girl as she crossed the road has been .

The tragedy unfolded on the morning of July 8, 2023 when Alice was crossing the road on King Cross Street, Halifax,Qadeer Hussain, speeding at 49mph in a 30mph zone in a black Vauxhall Corsa - ran a red light and crashed into her. Alice was taken to hospital with critical injuries and passed away a few days later.

Hussain, 55, of Essex Street, Halifax admitted at Bradford in February of this year to causing the death by dangerous driving. Yesterday, Friday 2 May 2025, he was sentenced to eight years a four months in prison. He was also disqualified from driving for 10 years and two months.

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Prosecutors said Hussain deliberately ran the red light, thinking no one was crossing, as his view was blocked by vehicles stopped in the left-hand lane. Alice's mum Clare O'Neill said she felt "hate" for the driver with "every cell" of her body and "every breath".

She said in her victim impact statement: "I feel blinding, chest-crushing, white-hot rage at you, unlike any emotion I've ever felt before. She wasn't in the wrong place at the wrong time, you were. You knew it all along, I'm helpless to express my anger that you stole everything from her,"

Alice's dad, Chris Williams, described his daughter as a "beautiful soul". He said Alice's death had destroyed his wife's mental health and left him feeling "numb" for years since. He added: "Alice and hundreds like her every year shouldn't have to die because of drivers who don't realise or don't care about the consequences of their actions," reports

In a Alice’s family said: "Qadeer Hussain destroyed our daughter Alice and devastated us. We want drivers to look at Alice and think about what can happen when they take risks and drive too fast. We assume that her killer regrets his actions today.

"We are very grateful to all the people who have helped us - the medical staff who tried to save her, the charities who have supported us, the police and witnesses. Their videos proved what he did and we urge anyone who can to please buy a dashcam.

"Lastly, we want our wonderful girl to be known for more than just her tragic, needless death. Alice was ours – a happy, bright bookworm; a funny, loving and gentle daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend. We will always be so proud of her."

Detective Sergeant Steve Suggitt of the Major Collision Enquiry Team said: "Today’s sentence will not bring Alice back to her family, but I hope it provides a level of closure that Hussain has been prosecuted for his actions. This was a truly tragic incident and our thoughts remain with Alice’s family and those affected by what happened.

"We would like to thank everyone who assisted with our enquiries, including those who provided dash cam footage. This footage was crucial for the investigation team in understanding the movements of the vehicle in the moments leading up to the collision, which helped in securing the charge against Hussain.

"We would also like to thank those who came to Alice’s aid immediately after the collision and we hope that this incident acts as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences families can be left to face and for the need to stay safe on the roads. "