A motorcyclist charged with causing the death of dancer and choreographer Lousha Liddell appeared in court on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, for the first time. Jordan Spartan, 43, of Sheen Park, Richmond-upon-Thames, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving in connection with a collision in Tooting on January 3, 2024, in which the 25-year-old passenger later died.
The court heard Spartan was driving a silver 998cc Yamaha in Garratt Lane, Tooting, when the crash occurred. Liddell, who was a pillion passenger, was taken to St George's Hospital in south-west London with severe injuries and died the following day. At Wimbledon Magistrates' Court, Spartan — wearing black jeans and a black jumper — spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address and did not enter a plea. Magistrates granted him bail to appear at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on October 6, 2025.
A second man, Ahsan Zafar, 24, of Spencer Park, Wandsworth, was arrested in connection with the same collision and has been charged separately. Zafar appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on September 1 and is due to appear at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on September 26. He is charged with driving a silver Honda Civic in Garratt Lane while under the influence of cannabis, with a blood reading of five micrograms per litre — above the legal limit of two micrograms — and with driving without insurance.
Liddell, known professionally as Lady Lousha, had built a profile as a dancer, choreographer and model, performing on major stages, including with Ed Sheeran at the BRIT Awards. A native of Cardiff, she studied at St. David's Catholic College and later at Middlesex University. Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and friends.
Friends and peers described her as a ‘‘hip-hop luminary’’ and a ‘‘beacon of inspiration.’' Chilli Sanders, who set up a fundraiser following her death, said Liddell was "a hip-hop luminary ... whose artistry transcended the boundaries of movement" and called her "a beacon of inspiration for those fortunate enough to witness her creations." Other messages posted following her death included: "I love you so much Lousha and miss you," from Stella Bashorun, and Khadeem Moore writing, "I'm lost for words, but she was special to this world and a great friend to me."
A GoFundMe set up after Liddell's death raised more than £12,000 to fund a celebration of her life. Police and court records show the investigations into the collision and the separate charges remain ongoing, with both defendants due to appear at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court in late September and early October for further hearings.
Prosecutors will bring fuller details of the allegations to the Crown Court, where pleas and case management will determine whether the matters proceed to trial. The death prompted discussion within the London dance community about safety and remembrance, and organisers and peers have planned events to honour Liddell's work and influence.
No trial date has been set. Magistrates at the Wimbledon hearing imposed standard bail conditions on Spartan pending his next court appearance on October 6.