For our report on Day 1 of the trial click here
For our report on Day 2 of the trial click here
For our report on Day 3 of the trial click here
PROSECUTOR Paul Whitfield told the jury defendant Raeqa Liaqat is a ‘proven liar’ in his closing speech this afternoon.
His claim was based on a written statement put together by Liaqat and her defence solicitor while at Bromsgrove Police Station, following the car crash which killed Ollie Sellers on May 27, 2017.
Mr Whitfield said: “When questioned about using her phone while driving she told police there was a ‘hands free’ feature in the car but we now know this is factually not true.”
What was confirmed on day four of the trial however was that Liaqat was using her phone manually moments before the fatal crash occurred.
A specialist digital forensic officer from West Mercia Police, who examined her phone after the crash, said she was not using apps or ‘voice tools’ to activate her contact book through speaking.
Headphones for her Samsung Galaxy were found draped over the handbrake of the car but experts could not determine if they were being used at the time of the collision.
“She was driving dangerously we know that much” said Mr Whitfield when addressing the jury, “Most likely because she wasn’t in her right mind.
“We already know she said ‘let me die’ on the phone to her friend. We know there was some sort of family argument going on in the background.
“We also know she crossed the highway completely out of control – is that not the definition of dangerous driving?
“I think it’s so important that you, as the jury, make your decision based on evidence presented throughout the case and not purely speculation.”
Mr Whitfield was speaking ahead of defence solicitor Mr Gatley’s closing speech tomorrow, which will likely include looking at Liaqat’s previous history of fainting in the work place.
Mr Gatley is also likely to touch on how a mehanical failure cannot be 100 per cent ruled out.
After hearing the defence’s speech in the morning the jury will be asked to make a decision on the case.
It means tomorrow afternoon is the absolute earliest time the jury will be able to reach a verdict.
