Liz Austin is calling for legislative reform after her partner, Jack Ryan, was killed by a speeding driver who subsequently fled to Pakistan, avoiding prosecution. Ryan, 29, died on January 13, 2021, after being struck by a Range Rover driven by Rashid Ali, who was traveling at 40 mph in a 20 mph zone and ran a red light.
Austin recounted that Ryan had gone for a run on the evening of his death. She later encountered flashing lights near Battersea Bridge and, after calling him with no answer, approached a police officer who confirmed her worst fears. Ryan was pronounced dead at 6:36 p.m., just over half an hour after he left for his run.
Ali, 26 at the time, was identified as the driver. Despite initially calling emergency services with his girlfriend, he later fled the country. The legal process unfolded slowly, with Ali being charged with causing death by dangerous driving in April 2023. It was revealed he was in the UK on an expired student visa.
While Ryan's family and friends attended every day of Ali's trial at the Old Bailey, which was scheduled for late July 2024, it was only then discovered that he had already fled the country. Authorities had not confiscated his passport at any point after the accident. In his absence, Ali was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, banned from driving, and sentenced to five years in custody. However, due to the lack of an extradition treaty between the UK and Pakistan and his successful evasion, there has been no accountability.
Austin expressed her devastation, noting that the legal process felt pointless once it was discovered Ali had absconded. The case was later featured on Channel 4's Dispatches program, highlighting social media posts of Ali in Pakistan, Dubai, and potentially Mayfair. Ali is now 32 and reportedly living freely, while Austin's daughter grows up without a father.
To address this perceived loophole, Austin and Ryan's family have launched the "Justice for Jack" petition. They are calling for an amendment to the Bail Act that would mandate passport surrender for individuals accused of serious crimes. The petition aims to gather 10,000 signatures by the end of the year to prompt a government response. They seek to prevent criminals from evading justice by leaving the country and avoiding their sentences.
Before Ryan's death, Austin and he had been planning to start a family. Following his death, she discovered he had signed a consent form allowing for the use of their frozen embryos in the event of his death. Despite her grief and the challenges of single parenthood, Austin proceeded with the embryo transfer three months after Ryan's death. She became pregnant on the first attempt, and their daughter was born in December 2021.
Austin, now 43, has since moved back to Sydney, Australia, with her daughter, who is now four years old. She shares her story to advocate for legal changes, seeking justice for Jack and a more accountable legal system for future victims.