Mercedes driver who jumped lights then killed pedestrian in Brixton Hill is sentenced to seven years in jail

A Mercedes driver who struck a student in a fatal hit and run crash has been jailed for seven years.

Quincy Anyiam, 27, collided with 20-year-old Anisha Vidal-Garner while driving at speed and dangerously along Brixton Hill at around 9.45pm on 19 February this year.

Anisha, from Epping, Essex, had just got off a bus and was crossing the road with her boyfriend and friend before she was hit by the car and catapulted into the air. She suffered multiple injuries and died at the scene.

Before the collision, Anyiam, from Oxted, Surrey, sped off from police in Brixton Hill after officers signalled for his car to stop. He then skipped traffic lights, swerving, overtaking and undertaking vehicles, speeding and at times also driving on the wrong side of the road.

After colliding with the victim, Anyiam did not stop – instead he continued to drive dangerously for another mile before abandoning his car.

 Two days later, on Friday, 21 February, he handed himself into police and was charged.

Today, Monday, 27 July 2020, at the Old Bailey Anyiam was sentenced to seven years in jail and disqualified from driving for 11 years thereafter. He had pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop after a road accident and dangerous driving at an earlier hearing.

A spokesperson for the family paid tribute to Anisha, saying: “Anisha was a beautiful, intelligent, witty, fun and hugely kind person who had time for everyone. She was passionate about many things and all her passions became our passions, from Eurovision to Timothee Chalamet.

“She was complex and interesting and interested in everything. She had so much to look forward to. She wanted to travel and see the world and experience everything it had to offer.

“But her life was taken away by the reckless actions of Quincy Anyiam. She stood no chance. She was just in the wrong place at the wrong second. His failure to show any real remorse or take responsibility – including his failure to turn up to court on two occasions – has dragged this case out and caused even more distress.”

Her brother Gael added: “Anisha was a truly spectacular person – smart, funny and caring. She was always there for you and never would not be. She is loved no matter what. Her love is endless. She is an immortal and that’s what she deserves. We simply adored Anisha and we will miss her for ever.”

Detective Inspector Richard Budd, leading the investigation said: “This is an incredibly tragic incident for Anisha’s family and loved ones. This is justice, but in no way will it compensate for the devastation and destruction that Anyiam has caused to this family.”

Louise Attrill, from the CPS, said: “Quincy Anyiam’s flagrant disregard for the law of the road has devastated a family and cost a tragic loss of life.

“Anisha Vidal-Garner was young and vibrant, and had her whole life ahead of her. It is heartbreaking that she died in front of her boyfriend, and that Anyiam evaded police for 48 hours before handing himself in.

“The prosecution case included strong witness testimony, CCTV footage  and an account from a forensic collision investigator which left Anyiam little choice but to own up to his actions.

“Although nothing can bring Anisha back, I hope this conviction will provide some comfort to her family and friends. My thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”