Police have taken a dramatic step in the aftermath of a fatal illegal street race by crushing the car involved, sending a stark warning to others engaged in similar dangerous activities.
A tragic night in Oldbury
The devastating incident occurred in November 2022 in Oldbury, part of the Black Country. During an illicit street racing meet-up, a heavily-modified Nissan Skyline, driven by Dhiya Al-Maamoury, spun out of control while performing a high-speed drift manoeuvre.
The vehicle ploughed into a group of spectators with catastrophic consequences. Ben Corfield, aged 19, and Liberty Charris, aged 16, were both pronounced dead at the scene. Two other young people, Ebonie Parkes and Ethan Kilburn, sustained serious injuries in the collision.
Justice served and a car destroyed
In November 2024, Al-Maamoury was convicted for his role in the tragedy. He received a substantial custodial sentence of 13 years and six months in prison for causing the deaths and injuries.
Following the sentencing, West Midlands Police pursued a deprivation order for the seized vehicle, which had been imported specifically for illegal street racing. This legal move allowed officers to ensure the car would never return to the roads.
Recently, the force carried out the order, crushing the Nissan Skyline into scrap metal. Some members of the victims' families, along with investigating officers, were present to witness the destruction.
A strong message from police
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes of the Serious Collision Unit stated that seeing the car destroyed held significant meaning for the grieving families, confirming the vehicle that killed Ben and Liberty would never be driven again.
The crushing is intended to act as a powerful deterrent. Police emphasised it sends a "strong message" that illegal street racing will not be tolerated on the region's roads.
This case forms part of Operation Hercules, a wider police crackdown targeting street racing and car cruising. Since its launch in August 2023, the operation has secured 63 direct convictions, with a further 49 cases currently at hearing or trial stages.
