Driver Consumed Large Quantity of Cocaine Before Fatal Crash Involving Toddler

A van driver who struck and killed a three-year-old girl on a Manchester pavement had consumed "at least 20 lines of cocaine" in the hours before the incident, a court has heard.

Louisa Palmisano—affectionately known as Lulu—died in hospital from her injuries after being hit while walking with her parents during a family visit to the city on February 22.

Rawal Rehman, 35, of Lambton Road, Manchester, pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court to causing her death by dangerous driving. He had been behind the wheel of a Mercedes Sprinter van when he collided with a tram and then mounted the pavement, fatally injuring the child. The incident occurred on Mosley Street around 10am.

Rehman fled the scene but was later arrested. He had previously served a three-year prison sentence in 2017 for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice after setting fire to a car involved in a fatal hit-and-run in Chorlton.

Prosecutor Rachel Shenton told the court that in the early hours of the day of the incident, Rehman had visited two massage parlours and taken a significant amount of cocaine over a seven-hour period. The prosecution argues his drug use severely impaired his driving.

Judge Alan Conrad KC ordered a pre-sentence report and remanded Rehman in custody until sentencing on May 27.

In a statement, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Rehman ignored stop signs and offered the tram driver no opportunity to react before the van was struck and veered onto the pavement. Abbie Clarke, senior crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said:

"Our thoughts go out to Lulu's family who must bear this unimaginable loss. Rehman failed to take responsibility for his actions, fleeing the scene and denying dangerous driving until his third court appearance. He must now face the consequences of this wholly avoidable tragedy."

Louisa's family, from Burnley, paid tribute to their daughter, saying:

"Louisa (Lulu) was the sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl. Her absence has left a devastating void in our family – she was our only child, our whole world."

E&K Solicitors