Mohammed Azim, a 41-year-old man from Oldbury, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 20 years after killing 19-year-old Lily Whitehouse with his truck and then lying to emergency services, claiming she had been struck by another vehicle.
Incident and false report
On November 5, just after 9:40pm, paramedics found Lily Whitehouse with severe injuries in Park Street, Oldbury. The young mother, who was looking forward to raising her new baby, died at the scene. Her partner, Mohammed Azim, of Tividale Road, Oldbury, struck her with his vehicle before calling 999 and falsely stating that she had been run over by another driver.
During the 999 call, Azim told the ambulance service that she 'had been run over' and 'it literally just happened', adding that she 'was in his truck'.
Investigation reveals truth
When police arrived, Azim claimed he had picked Lily up and dropped her on Park Street, and as she was crossing the road, she was hit by a vehicle. He was arrested on suspicion of murder. A review of CCTV footage revealed the true sequence of events.
Earlier that evening, Azim had picked Lily up from Dudley and drove to Old Park Lane instead of taking her home. CCTV showed Lily walking along the road before Azim's truck hit her. He then drove to nearby Park Street, while calling 999, opened the passenger door, and removed Lily from the truck.
During police interviews, Azim provided no account for what happened to Lily. However, evidence proved he had driven into her, causing her death.
Sentencing and family tribute
On June 22, Azim was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 20 years. In a tribute released by police, Lily's family said: 'While nothing can ever bring Lily back, we take some comfort in knowing that justice has been served.'
They added: 'There are no words that can truly capture the pain of losing Lily so young and full of life. Our hearts are broken by this senseless act. At just 19 years old, Lily's life was taken far too soon, leaving behind dreams unfulfilled and our family forever changed.'
Detective Inspector Nigel Box of the Homicide Unit stated: 'Azim tried to cover up Lily's murder by calling 999 and inventing a story that she was hit by a second vehicle. However, our investigation proved otherwise. Azim killed Lily in a nearby location and then put her back in his truck and dropped her at Park Street.'
He added: 'Lily was a young mom who was looking forward to raising her new baby. Azim took that opportunity away and now her baby will grow up without her. My thoughts are with Lily's loved ones.'
Support for domestic abuse victims
If you have experienced domestic abuse, you don't have to deal with it alone, and it's never your fault. If you need the police but are unable to talk due to your situation, you can dial 999 then press 55 instead of asking for the police. Call 999 if you are in danger, threats have been made against you, or if a crime is in progress.
