Boy, 5, killed after electric vehicle accelerated into him, court hears

A five-year-old boy, Fareed Amir, died after a parked electric Volkswagen accelerated into him in November 2022; the driver, Ashenafei Demisse, denies the charges and the case is being heard at the Old Bailey.

A five-year-old boy, Fareed Amir, died after a parked electric Volkswagen accelerated into him outside a block of flats near London Bridge in November 2022, the court heard. The driver, Ashenafei Demisse, denies causing death and serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving and says the vehicle moved on its own while he was seated inside. Prosecutors say police found no mechanical fault and argue only the driver could have caused the car to move; the matter is now before a jury at the Old Bailey. What is reported: - Fareed Amir, aged five, died after a parked electric Volkswagen accelerated into him in November 2022, and another child was injured. - The driver, Ashenafei Demisse, denies the charges and says the vehicle accelerated on its own while he sat inside. - Prosecutors told jurors that police found no evidence of a mechanical fault and that the driver must have pressed the accelerator. - The case is currently being heard by a jury at the Old Bailey. Summary: The trial has focused on competing accounts of whether the car moved due to driver error or an unexpected vehicle action, with family statements and technical evidence discussed in court. The trial is continuing at the Old Bailey. Undetermined at this time.