THE parents of a Bradford woman who died in a collision have paid tribute to their daughter after the man responsible for causing her death was jailed.

Isma Nawaz, who was 38, died following a collision in Apperley Bridge on 23 June 2020.  

Yesterday, Mohammed Abbas, 27, of Richmond Road, Huddersfield was jailed for three years and banned from driving for five-and-a half years after pleading guilty at Bradford Crown Court to causing Isma’s death by dangerous driving.

Today, Isma’s family issued a statement in tribute to their daughter.

"Isma Nawaz, our beloved daughter, was hard-working and dedicated to family and friends”, they said.

“The loss we face is unmeasurable and those who knew Isma are aware of her maturity and love for people and her generosity towards her brother, sisters and nephew and nieces.

"Our daughter leaves behind two beautiful daughters who are cared for by us. It is a daily heartache to see the absence of their mother.

“It has turned their life apart. They say that time is a healer, and we are managing the welfare of the children alongside their father and the eldest daughter’s family.  

"We thank West Yorkshire Police, and in particular the liaison officer PC Martin Willis, for his dedicated support and outstanding sympathetic approach throughout this case.

“We also wish to thank the Burley & Wharfedale community for helping and supporting for the family. The loss of life in such a way is always difficult to come to terms with, we do not wish this upon any family.

"Isma left for work on 23 June, 2020 on the same route she had travelled on for five years, and due to the fatal collision she never returned.

“A humble request to all, please remember our beloved daughter in your special prayers."

Speaking after Abbas had been sentenced, Detective Sergeant Paul Lightowler, of the Major Collision Enquiry Team, who led the investigation into the crash, said: “This case should serve as a reminder to all about the devastating consequences of driving dangerously on our roads.

“No sentence can ever compensate for the grief and upset experienced by family and friends at the sudden, needless and tragic loss of Mrs Nawaz and our sympathies remain with them at this sad time.”

A judge at Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday how Mrs Nawaz lost control of her Vauxhall Astra on Harrogate Road and crashed into a parked Ford Focus.

Judge Rose was shown CCTV clips which showed Mrs Nawaz driving closely behind Abbas’ Audi A3.

In his basis of plea Abbas said he had been “tailgated” by the Astra and Mrs Nawaz had also tried to undertake his car.

In jailing Abbas Judge Rose said there was no doubt that Mrs Nawaz’s death was “entirely avoidable and entirely unnecessary”.

He said neither driver had any reason to be driving at excessive speed on their way to work that early morning nor was there a reason for “racing or challenging” each other.