Mohammed Azim, 41, is on trial for the murder of his 19‑year‑old girlfriend Lily Whitehouse in Oldbury, West Midlands, after an argument on November 5 last year. Prosecutors say Azim deliberately drove his recovery truck into Whitehouse, who had just visited her newborn daughter in hospital, and then tried to stage a hit‑and‑run . the case has drawn attention for its brutal method and the victim’s recent motherhood.

Mercedes Sprinter Van Used as a Weapon on November 5

According to the prosecution,Azim pursued Whitehouse on foot after she left his vehicle and then accelerated the Mercedes Sprinter van, striking her and pinning her against a lamppost. The forensic evidence presented by Rachel Brand KC indicated that Whitehouse’s injuries were consistent with an upright impact, contradicting any claim that she fell accidentally.

The CCTV footage showed the van stationary for 16 minutes before Whitehouse walked along the driver’s side, after which the vehicle nudged her and continued at low speed. a loud bang – identified by witnesses as the collision with the lamppost – was heard shortly before emergency services arrived.

Post‑Collision Actions: Moving the Body and Fabricating a Hit‑and‑Run

After the impact, Azim is alleged to have placed Whitehouse’s body in the cab of his truck, driven a short distance, and then called emergency services while shouting, “she’s dead bro,” and refusing to perform CPR. He initially told police that Whitehouse had been the victim of a hit‑and‑run, a claim investigators found suspicious given his direct involvement.The prosecution highlighted that Azim’s decision to move the body was a calculated attempt to distance himself and the victim from the scene,undermining any credible defence of accidental death.

Relationship History and Pregnancy Complications

The court heard that Azim and Whitehouse had an on‑and‑off relationship since 2023. During a separation, Whitehouse became pregnant by another man but later resumed the relationship with Azim. she had given birth prematurely four weeks before her death and was still receiving treatment for her newborn in a neonatal unit.

On the day of the incident, Whitehouse visited her baby in hospital before being picked up by Azim. Instead of taking her home, he drove past her flat, prompting the argument captured on CCTV that preceded the fatal collision.

Unanswered Questions: Motive and Exact Sequence of the Crash

While prosecutors have outlined a clear narrative, two key points remain unsettled: what specific motive drove Azim to use his recovery truck as a weapon, and whether the vehicle’s speed and angle could have been altered to avoid fatal injury. The defence has not yet presented evidence to counter the forensic timeline.

Additionally, the trial has not clarified why Azim chose to wait 16 minutes before the vehicle moved, a delay that could suggest pre‑meditation or an attempt to stage the scene.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentencing

Azim has denied the murder charge and remained silent during police interviews about how the injuries were sustained. He was arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently facing a trial that could result in a life sentence if convicted.

The case underscores the seriousness with which UK courts treat domestic‑vioence‑related killings, especially when the victim is a new mother. As the trial continues, further details about Azim’s intent and the exact mechanics of the crash are expected to emerge.