A MAN has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a crash which killed a devoted mother of two. 

Isma Nawaz, 38, from the Bradford Moor area of the city, was on her way to work at the Esso petrol station in Burley-in-Wharfedale on June 23 last year, when the Vauxhall Astra she was driving was in collision with a Ford Focus parked on Harrogate Road, Apperley Bridge, close to its junction with Parkin Lane. It happened at around 5.40am and prompted a huge response from the emergency services. 

West Yorkshire Police said at the time: “A black Vauxhall Astra travelling away from Bradford was in collision with a Ford Focus, which was parked on the road close to the junction with Parkin Lane. The sole occupant of the Astra, a woman in her thirties, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”

Mohammed Abbas, 26, of Richmond Avenue, Huddersfield, appeared before Bradford Magistrates’ Court earlier this month to face the following charge: “On 23/06/2020 at Bradford caused the death of Isma Nawaz by driving a mechanically propelled vehicle, namely an Audi A3, dangerously on a road namely Harrogate Road, Bradford ‘ Contrary to section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Schedule 2 to the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.”

He will next appear at Bradford Crown Court on July 7. 

Mrs Nawaz’s devastated family spoke to the Telegraph & Argus following her tragic death. 
Her brother, Asad Mahmood, said: “She was a diamond. We have lost a diamond. 
“Everything she used to do, she was kind-hearted, she had a heart of gold. She was a very hardworking person, she cared about everybody.”

Mrs Nawaz, who had two young daughters, had worked at the petrol station for around three to four years and travelled along Harrogate Road most days. 

Her family described her as having a “kind and loving personality” and as someone who was always smiling, polite and said “all who met and knew her would have left with the feeling of happiness”. 

Mr Mahmood added: “The family is devastated and still in shock at the news, she will be missed immensely by all who knew her. She had her whole life to look forward to and her life has sadly been cut short. She will always be remembered, she was always smiling and always willing to help anyone.”

Many people also paid their respects in a Book of Condolence set up by the T&A following Mrs Nawaz’s death. 

Paul Martin said: “Very sad to hear. She always served me at the Esso petrol station with a friendly and happy smile. My prayers and thoughts are either her family and friends.”

Lisa Sturrock added: “Sleep well now Isma, thank you for always being happy and cheerful and wishing me a good ‘day’s’ sleep after finishing my night shifts with the ambulance service. Thoughts and prayers to your family.”
Ward councillors also paid their respects following the sad news.

Councillor Mohammed Shafiq (Lab, Bradford Moor) said: “I have visited the place where Isma Nawaz lost her life, I wish I could say something to help ease the pain for the family.”