Banned driver who overtook bus on wrong side of Oldham road left 10-year-old cyclist with lasting injuries

A disqualified driver who dangerously overtook a double-decker bus on the wrong side of Ripponden Road in Oldham struck a 10-year-old boy on his bicycle, leaving the promising gymnast with physical and psychological injuries that ended his competition season.

CCTV footage played at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court showed Abdul Sabhur, then 19, steering his Seat Leon around the bus and across a pedestrian crossing on 15 June 2024, colliding with the child who was crossing correctly. The impact threw the boy into the air; Sabhur stopped, drove the injured child home and gave his phone number to the boy’s mother so she could update him on the youngster’s condition.

Prosecutor John Richards read the mother’s statement to the court: “He was a successful confident gymnast, he represented the north west with his team winning first place. He had full flexibility to perform gymnastics with ease. Since the incident he has struggled and all actions are causing pain and discomfort. This has impacted his competing, his self confidence, and his mental health. The week after he was due to take part in a north west novice competition. He spent months training and working hard and it was taken away from him, which is not his fault. He has been left anxious and conscious when out on the road.”

Sabhur, now 21 and of Greengate Street, Oldham, admitted dangerous driving and driving while disqualified. Defence counsel Simon Leong told the court his client had made “spectacularly stupid, immature and reckless decisions” but had never denied responsibility. Judge Kevin Slack imposed a 12-month jail term, suspended for 18 months, ordered 180 hours of unpaid work, 20 days of rehabilitation activity, £2,000 compensation to the boy and his mother, and a 12-month driving ban.

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