Driver who caused death of girl, 3, after taking '20 lines' of cocaine jailed
Toddler Louisa Palmisano was tragically killed after a van driver, Rawal Rehman, mounted onto a pavement and crashed into her and her parents. He has been sentenced following her death
A van driver who was on a cocaine binge before he drove around a busy city centre and killed a three-year-old girl has been jailed for 12 years.
Rawal Rehman, 35, of Manchester, hit a city tram in his Mercedes Sprinter before veering onto the pavement and hitting Louisa Palmisano. The little girl, known as Lulu, tragically died in hospital after she was struck while walking with her parents.
The drug-fuelled driver fled the scene on Mosley Street at around 10 am on February 22, but was later arrested. He earlier appeared in court and was charged with causing death by dangerous driving. He has now been banned from driving for over 13 years.
Prosecutor Rachel Shenton had previously revealed that Rehman had visited two massage parlours in the city before the fatal crash. She told Manchester Crown Court that he had taken 'at least 20 lines of cocaine' in seven hours.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Rehman ignored stop signs and gave the tram driver no time to react before it struck the side of the van, which then mounted the pavement. The statement earlier said: 'Rehman failed to take responsibility for his actions. He fled the scene in a taxi and denied that he drove dangerously in interview, only accepting responsibility on his third hearing before the court. He must now face the consequences for his role in this wholly avoidable tragedy.'
Lulu's parents earlier paid tribute to her, saying: 'Louisa (Lulu) was the sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl. She was full of creativity and joy, and she absolutely loved going to nursery every day.
'Her absence has left a devastating void in our family – she was our only child, our whole world. We were simply enjoying a happy family day out in Manchester when this unimaginable tragedy struck. In an instant, our lives were shattered beyond repair. The pain of losing her is unbearable, and we miss her more than words can ever express.'
In an emotional victim impact statement read out in court, Lulu's family said: "Today marks another deeply emotional moment in our journey since the loss of our beloved daughter, Louisa - our precious Lulu. The sentencing hearing has brought a measure of legal closure, but nothing can fill the void left by her absence.
"Lulu was our only child and the centre of our world. Her joyful spirit, vivid imagination, and kind heart touched everyone who knew her. At just three years old, she brought more light and love than we ever thought possible. Her life was full of promise, and her loss is something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
"No parent should ever have to witness the death of their child. The impact of that single, devastating moment has rippled through every part of our existence, emotionally, physically, and financially. Our lives have changed beyond recognition. And yet, in the midst of that sorrow, we have also experienced extraordinary compassion.
"We would like to express our deepest gratitude to those who have stood with us during this most harrowing time. Greater Manchester Police have shown unwavering professionalism, diligence, and empathy throughout this investigation. We are especially thankful for the officers who handled Lulu's case with such care and humanity. Their commitment to seeking justice on her behalf has meant more than we can ever fully express.
"We are also profoundly grateful to the medical professionals, victim support services, and the various organisations who have offered us kindness, resources, and a safe space to grieve. Your support has helped to hold us up in our darkest moments. To those who have walked beside us—whether through words, actions, or quiet presence—thank you. You have made a difference.
"Though no sentence can undo the pain of what happened, we hope that today's proceedings serve as a recognition of the gravity of our loss and the deep impact it has had on our family. This is not about retribution, but about honouring Lulu's life and the love we will always carry for her.
"We remain united in our grief and in our love. Lulu's memory lives on in us - in every act of kindness, in every moment of courage, and in every step we take forward. We will continue to speak her name, to celebrate who she was, and to ensure that her light is never forgotten."
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