Two teenage thieves were embroiled in a plot to steal a Mercedes that tragically went wrong when the owner of the car died trying to stop him.
Restaurant owner Mohammed Islam, 53, was killed after being hit by his own car when it was stolen while delivering a grocery delivery to a home in Romiley, Stockport.
His 15-year-old killer, who got into Mr Islam’s beloved Mercedes and ran him over while trying to prevent the theft, had previously been jailed after admitting manslaughter.
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Now, Kamil Kowalski, 19, and a 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Manchester Crown Court after admitting their roles in the gang that was on an “expedition” for cars to be stolen and Wanted to resell.
The court heard they were in a nearby Ford Transit when the incident occurred.
Mr Islam, who owned the Marple Spice restaurant, was delivering food to a house in Lyme Grove in Romiley at around 9 p.m.
When getting off the 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, got into the Mercedes, a present from Mr Islam’s children for their 25th wedding anniversary.
Mr. Islam ran back and tried desperately to stop him, but the boy sped away.
He was able to hold out about 30 meters until he was thrown onto the road and then run over by his own car.
The married father of three died two days later.
“These defendants drove into Romiley with false license plates in the transit van, there was no apparent owner, and it was available to those who needed an untraceable vehicle,” said Rachel Cooper, a prosecutor.
“Some members of the group were used to pick up vehicles and the other defendants stayed in the nearby van, which turned around after the Mercedes was stolen.
“All conspirators were the same, there was no question of coercion.”
Manchester courts are among the busiest in the country, with a large number of cases heard each week.
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The 15-year-old ran towards the rear of the van after the car was stolen and met the others, including Kowalski, who were in the back of the van.
Pictures of the car were then posted on social media with the caption “Come on” when the gang tried to whip it.
But they later decided to dispose of it when the shocking details of Mr. Islam’s injuries became known.
It was moved to Denton and set on fire and later written off.
Each member of the group then tried to dispose of their phones, and when they were arrested they did not respond to any comment during their police interrogations.
Mr Islam’s daughter, Nasrin Choudhory, had previously told the court about the excruciating grief she and her family had to endure.
She said she thought her father would probably forgive the gang.
“My father would say you are young, you made a mistake,” she said.
“He would probably forgive you. But my dad is no longer here and without him I don’t think we can do that. “
The beloved father and restaurateur was killed on his last delivery of the day
(Image: MEN Media)
The 15-year-old boy was previously detained for four years and nine months.
The court heard that the 15-year-old was also involved in various incidents in which a number of motorcycles were stolen as part of an armed rampage across Stockport.
Kowalski is also believed to have been involved in the hijacking of three motorcycles.
The young teenager is said to have undergone a “remarkable transformation” since his arrest in August.
“The change is dramatic. The authorities managed to get this young man just in time, ”said his lawyer Ian McMeekin.
The court heard that Kowalski was also on remand in August.
The Manchester recorder, Judge Nicholas Dean QC, condemned them: “You and others took part in an expedition to steal motor vehicles.
“It was planned and deliberate to a certain extent, but I accept that you didn’t plan the particular car you stole.
Addressing the 15 year old, he said, “You need to understand that you are a vulnerable 15 year old and I hope you feel that in freedom you will not mingle with the people who will try you to lead astray, and you will not lead others astray either. “
He was given a 12 month detention and training warrant and banned driving for a year after pleading guilty of conspiracy to steal and other separate crimes including dangerous driving, criminal damage, possession of drugs, robbery, attempted robbery, Breaking in and hijacking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.
Kowalski, of Grange Road South, Hyde, was sentenced to 18 months probation and two years’ probation and was sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid labor after admitting a conspiracy to theft and a separate offense of gross vehicle hijacking.
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