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A nephew and uncle “very much dispute” who was driving a BMW that killed a man after the pair had been at a wake together. Tottington man Gavin Andrews, 34, died after being hit by a BMW while crossing Walmersley Road near the Towler Inn Pub in Bury on November 9, 2021. More than three years on, Faizaan Haider, 25, and his uncle Suaiel Haider, 43, are facing a trial at Minshull Street Crown Court for their alleged roles in Mr Andrews’ death.
Giving evidence, Sergeant Andrew Page, of Greater Manchester Police’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “While we were doing CCTV enquiries to establish who was driving and where they had gone, we recognised that there was some possible CCTV evidence at Faizaan’s home address.” The trial, which opened last week, heard how Faizaan is accused of driving the BMW 6 Series that killed Mr Andrews after drinking at a wake with his uncle and a group of other people. The trial opened at Minshull Street Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss) Both he and Suaiel are accused of setting fire to the BMW in a bid to hide the evidence.
Questioned by prosecutor Geoff Whelan, Sgt Page said that officers had applied for a warrant at the younger Haider’s home but had not found any footage there. But Sgt Page took the jury of eight women and four men through footage gathered from a range of sources, including CCTV and dashcams, of the lead up to and aftermath of the crash. The footage showed both nephew and uncle at a wake together with several other people, with Faizeen seen to order at least two rounds of drinks.
Further footage showed fireworks being set off in the car park, while both Faizaan and Suiel were seen on CCTV as part of a group travelling in a Range Rover. But when the court was played later footage with Faizaan labelled as the driver of what would prove to be the fatal BMW, Mr Whelan accepted it is “disputed that he is the driver.” Sgt Page told the court that the BMW driver appeared to have been driving a white top, which seemed to match what Faizeen had been wearing earlier that same day.
Footage from after the crash showed firefighters called to deal with the burned-out BMW. Sgt Page told the court that nearly a month after the crash officers were contacted through a solicitor around December 2 or 3. Both Haiders voluntarily went to the police station where they were both arrested .
Simon Gurney, defending Faizaan, questioned Sgt Page about the footage at the wake and on the roads before and after the fatal crash. ALSO READ: Driver of BMW had drank 'excessive amount' on day of fatal crash, court hears ALSO READ: Fears witnesses could be 'denied justice' as trials set to move ALSO READ: Thousands of victims wait for justice amid 'unprecedented mess' facing courts He reminded the court that despite Faizaan being labelled as the BMW driver section of video concerning the crash, neither his client nor Suaiel, defended by Hugh Barton, accepted this. Mr Gurney said: “The jury is going to see the label Faizeen Haider, as you know that labelling is very much in dispute.
” Faizaan Haider, of Mosley Avenue, Bury, denies causing death by dangerous driving and causing death while driving unlicenced or without insurance. He also denies committing an act intended to pervert the course of justice. Suaiel Haider, also of Mosley Avenue, Bury, denies committing an act intending to pervert the course of justice.
The trial, before Judge Tina Landale, continues..
