A BMW driver is accused of being equally responsible for the deaths of a mother and her four-year-old daughter, despite his vehicle not being involved in the fatal collision. Jasskamal Riyat, 37, faces two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

Prosecutors allege Riyat is responsible for the deaths of Justyna Hulboj, 27, and Lena Czepczor, 4, who were struck and killed by an Audi TT driven by Hardeep Bhachu on Scott Hall Road in Leeds, West Yorkshire, on January 16, 2023. Bhachu has already admitted to causing their deaths by dangerous driving after losing control of his vehicle and mounting a kerb.

Footage presented in Leeds Crown Court shows Riyat's black BMW and Bhachu's Audi travelling together shortly before the incident. Engine noises are heard, and the drivers are seen speaking through their windows, appearing to congratulate each other on their cars' power. Riyat is heard on a clip he filmed saying, "Watch this guy now," before laughing as the Audi accelerates away.

Bhachu, who had boasted about his Audi TT having 560 BHP, admitted to the collision and requested to be taken into custody to begin serving his sentence. He is awaiting sentencing.

Riyat denies racing Bhachu and maintains he did not cause the fatal collision, though he admits to speeding. He told the court he was not trying to race at any point and is not responsible for Bhachu's driving. Riyat described their encounter as a "chance meeting" and stated he did not know Bhachu prior to that morning. He explained he filmed the Audi because it was a rare and powerful car, or because he thought the driver "was going to do something stupid."

Riyat admitted to driving up to 50 mph in a 40 mph zone, using his mobile phone while driving, and undertaking other vehicles. However, he denied that his driving was dangerous and asserted he remained in control of his BMW throughout. Dashcam footage from another vehicle showed the BMW and Audi accelerating away from traffic lights, with the Audi appearing to catch up to the BMW before they almost disappeared from view.

Independent witnesses have described the two drivers as "obviously racing." Riyat, a car company sales executive, said he was speeding to get to work for an 8:45 a.m. meeting. He drove past the scene of the crash and continued to work.

Hulboj and Czepczor were walking to nursery at the time of the collision. The jury is expected to consider its verdicts in Riyat's case.