(foto: Freepik.com)
An illegal immigrant killed 20-year-old footballer Cameron Arneaud in a crash while driving without a license or insurance. He was sentenced to just 30 weeks in jail.
A promising 20-year-old footballer, Cameron Arneaud, tragically lost his life in a road accident caused by Syed Bukhari, a 27-year-old illegal immigrant driving without a UK licence or insurance. The incident occurred on Irthlingborough Road, Northamptonshire, last December, just days before Christmas.
Bukhari, who overstayed his student visa and lacked the proper legal documentation to remain in the UK, crashed his Toyota Prius into Cameron’s motorbike after failing to stop at a junction. Cameron's father, Daniel Arneaud, arrived at the scene to find his son gravely injured. He stayed beside him, holding on to his final moments.
In court, Bukhari admitted to causing death by careless driving. He was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court to 30 weeks in prison, of which he will serve just over three months, and was disqualified from driving for 67 weeks. Judge Rupert Mayo told Bukhari, "You brought tremendous sorrow into Mr. Arneaud’s family. Nothing that I do in terms of passing sentence can, or should, put a value on Cameron’s life."
Cameron’s family described the devastating impact of his death. His mother, Alison Mitchell, spoke emotionally about how her son had been a father figure to his siblings after she became a single mother. "He was their constant source of love, support, and guidance. My daughter asks, 'Who will walk me down the aisle?' My youngest sobs for his brother. This has destroyed me," she said.
Daniel Arneaud recalled the trauma of losing his son, describing him as an "amazing young man" who led by example. "Lying beside my son on the road, stalling for as much time as I could to say goodbye, I am broken," he said. The loss has cost him his home, relationship, and job.
The court heard that Bukhari had arrived in the UK on a student visa from Pakistan in 2022 but overstayed, citing financial difficulties that prevented him from regularizing his status. Despite holding a Pakistani driving licence, he failed to apply for a UK licence as required by law. Paul Vickers, defending, stated that Bukhari now never wants to drive again.
Judge Mayo acknowledged the family’s profound grief but emphasized the legal limitations of the sentence. Cameron, an Arsenal fan and talented footballer, was working at the National Accident Helpline and building a promising future when his life was cut short.