Corsa driver Javonnie Tavener ploughed into a group of pedestrians after colliding with another car
Javonnie Tavener(Image: WMP)
This is the first picture of a careless driver who ploughed into a group walking back from an Eid celebration, killing a four-year-old girl.
Little Mayar Yahia was with her family on Upper Highgate Street on 14 April, 2024, when two vehicles collided and a Corsa hurtled past a barrier and into the group of pedestrians.
Despite best efforts of paramedics, Mayar died at the roadside, while her mother Sara and their neighbour were left seriously injured.
Read More: Driver admits causing death of four-year-old Mayar Yahia in horror crash
An investigation was launched which revealed the driver of the Corsa was Javonnie Tavener.
The 23-year-old was charged with causing death by careless driving, causing death whilst driving uninsured and two counts of causing serious injury by careless driving.
Mayar Yahia, four, who died after being hit by a car.
He appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday (30 Jul) and admitted all charges.
Tavener has been remanded in custody is due to be sentenced at a later date.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from WMP’S serious collision investigation unit, said: “Mayar was just four years old when her life was tragically taken away from her.
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“She was walking back with her family and friends after celebrating Eid.
“Pedestrians should be afforded and be reassured of protection when walking on the pavement and a split-second decision by Tavener to overtake where he did has led to this tragic chain of events.
“I would urge all drivers to think about this incident and how those decisions can have such catastrophic consequences.”
‘Hundreds’ of people turned out to a road safety rally in Birmingham on Saturday July 20 to remember “extraordinary” Birmingham youngster Mayar Yahia and push for urgent change on the streets. The rally was part of a series of action days put on by Better Streets for Birmingham(Image: Better Streets for Birmingham)
The tragedy shocked the city and prompted renewed calls for improved road safety measures and tougher enforcement against bad drivers.
The road where Mayar died is now due to be pedestrianised following a campaign led by the family and Better Streets for Birmingham campaigners.
It will prevent traffic from accessing a section of Upper Highgate Street near New Hope Community Park.