A Covid-19 scientist has been jailed for killing a Welshman in the heart of the Square Mile as he sped in his hired Zip car to beat a red traffic light just after midnight.
Jailed: Ibnu Rizwan
Epidemiologist Ibnu Rizwan, 28, collided with schoolteacher David Joseph Evans, 32, as he crossed the Minories on his way to Tower Hill Underground station at 12.37am on August 8, 2021.
The former Cambridge University student, who switched from studying Medicine to the creative arts at London's St. Martin's College suffered a fatal brain injury and died five days later.
Rizwan, of Brightwell Crescent, Wandsworth, who specialises in Covid and monkeypox data was speeding at 30mph in a 20mph zone when he struck Mr Evans as he crossed the road.
He had put his foot down to beat a red traffic light as he drove five friends from a Clapham pub to a Shoreditch club in a VW Polo.
His breath-test was just under the legal drink-drive limit.
Rizwan pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to causing death by dangerous driving.
He was sentenced to two years imprisonment and disqualified from driving for four years.
Detective Chief Inspector Colin Bishop, of the City of London Police's Major Crime Team, said: "Rizwan drove over the twenty miles per hour speed limit to try and avoid having to stop at a red light with horrific consequences.
“He had no consideration for his surroundings, pedestrians and other drivers.
"This case demonstrates the devastating effects that not adhering to speed limits can have, and shows the importance of driving responsibly.
“Our thoughts remain with the victim's family and friends at this difficult time."
Mr Evans, described as a talented artist, musician and actor, had been enjoying televised rugby at the Spit and Sawdust pub, Bermondsey with a friend.
He waited on the kerb for approximately seven seconds as three cars passed and then hurried across the road, where Rizwan had around 1.28 seconds to see him.
The VW's speed was “likely to be higher” than 30mph, the court was told.
Judge Nigel Lickley acknowledged “moving” statements from Mr Evans' family.
“He was undoubtedly a very talented and much-loved man. He had his whole life ahead of him and he will not be forgotten.”
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