Overview
- Javonnie Tavener was jailed for three years and 10 months for causing death by careless driving, with a further 18 months for a separate assault, and was disqualified from driving for about six years.
- Dashcam video shown in court captured Tavener overtaking at speed in a 20mph zone before mounting the pavement, then reversing and dragging Mayar Yahia as he fled.
- Prosecutors and police evidence said Tavener was on his phone, uninsured, tested positive at the roadside for cannabis and initially denied being the driver before later pleading guilty.
- Mayar’s father delivered a victim impact statement describing the family’s trauma, with two women seriously injured and siblings who witnessed the collision.
- After sentencing, the CPS defended its charging decision and offered to meet the family, while police and the regional road safety commissioner called for stronger enforcement and reviews of charging practices.