Death crash driver fails to return from Pakistan

A driver accused of killing two bikers has failed to return to the UK after being allowed to travel to Pakistan.

Syed Raza, 27, is charged with causing the deaths of motorcyclist Michael Rowley, 41, and his 14-year-old son Jonathan, riding pillion.

But prosecutors allowed Raza to keep his passport and travel home to after he claimed his mother was ill.

Michael and Jonathan were returning from MCN’s Spring Spectacular Rally in Skegness in April 2007 when their Honda Pan European collided with a Vauxhall Corsa driven by Raza, who has denied the charges.

Because Britain has no extradition treaty with Pakistan, Raza may now never face trial here

Jonathan’s mother Angela Phillips, 41, from Rotherham, said: “I just can’t believe he has been allowed to leave the country after being involved in an accident which has claimed the lives of two people.”

Lincolnshire Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal has expressed concern that police and courts did not give enough consideration to seizing Raza’s passport.

The case is due to be reviewed on February 19 and a trial could go ahead if the court decides

Raza has voluntary absented himself.

Mrs Narwal said: “We are not dropping the case and have every intention to prosecute Mr Raza for this serious offence.”