Selfish Driver Sentenced for Killing Four-Year-Old Girl During Eid Celebration in Birmingham
A reckless driver who killed a cheerful four-year-old girl as she celebrated Eid with her family has been condemned by police and sentenced to over five years in prison. Javonnie Tavener, aged 23, caused the fatal collision on Upper Highgate Street in Birmingham on the evening of April 14, 2024.
Tragic Incident Details
Mayar Yahia was walking on the pavement with her family and friends after Eid festivities when Tavener, behind the wheel of a Corsa, dangerously overtook a Mercedes. This manoeuvre led to the Corsa ploughing into little Mayar, who died at the scene. Her mother, Sara, and another mother, Awadia Hammed, were seriously injured in the crash.
Tavener fled the scene immediately after the collision, returning almost 30 minutes later when he was detained by authorities. During police interviews, he claimed he was forced into his car by a second man, a statement that was later contradicted by evidence.
Investigation and Sentencing
Months after the fatal incident, Tavener used his mobile phone to search for information on driving negligence and potential bans for causing death by careless driving, despite initially telling police he did not own a phone. He was charged with multiple offences, including:
- Causing death by careless driving
- Causing death whilst driving uninsured
- Two counts of causing serious injury by careless driving
Tavener admitted all charges at an earlier hearing. On Friday, March 13, at Birmingham Crown Court, he was sentenced to three years and 10 months for the driving offences. An additional 18 months was added for an unrelated assault, bringing his total jail time to five years and four months. He was also disqualified from driving for six years.
Police Condemnation and Family Tribute
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit stated: “Mayar was just four years old when her life was tragically taken away from her. Pedestrians should 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. He then made no efforts to ring the emergency services. I would urge all drivers to think about this incident and how those decisions can have such catastrophic consequences.”
In a heartfelt tribute, Mayar’s family described her as an extraordinary child, full of love and always smiling. They said: “Mayar was cheerful and bright, and she brought happiness to everyone around her at home, in her school, and her neighbourhood. Losing Mayar has been the most painful experience of our lives. It’s not just our loss; it’s a loss to her friends and to the whole community. We hope this tragedy serves as a reminder to everyone of the importance of driving safely and responsibly. No one deserves to lose a loved one like this.”
The case highlights the devastating impact of careless driving on innocent lives, particularly during community celebrations like Eid. Authorities continue to emphasize the need for responsible behavior on the roads to prevent such tragedies in the future.
