A 55-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years and four months in prison for causing the death of nine-year-old Alice Williams by dangerous driving in Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Qadeer Hussain was driving his Vauxhall Corsa at approximately 49 mph in a 30 mph zone on King Cross Street when he failed to stop at a red light and struck Alice as she crossed the road with her mother and younger brother on 8 July 2023.

Alice suffered critical injuries in the collision and died in hospital a few days later.

Hussain initially claimed he was driving lawfully and suggested Alice had run out in front of him. However, dashcam footage from another vehicle clearly showed him speeding through the red light while other cars in the left lane were stationary.

He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Bradford Crown Court in February 2025 and was sentenced in May 2025.

The court heard that Hussain showed little remorse and had attempted to shift blame onto the young victim before the evidence against him became overwhelming.

Alice’s family described their profound grief and devastation, with her mother expressing ongoing anger at the driver who took their daughter’s life so unnecessarily.

This tragic case has highlighted concerns over dangerous driving, red light violations, and speeding in residential and school areas. Alice was remembered as a bright and loving nine-year-old whose life was cut short.

RIP Alice Williams.