**Van Driver Who Took Large Quantities of Cocaine Jailed for Fatal Crash That Claimed Life of Young Girl**
A Manchester man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting to causing the death of a three-year-old girl while driving under the influence of drugs. Rawal Rehman, aged 36 and from Lambton Road, was found to have consumed “at least 20 lines of cocaine” in the lead-up to the tragic incident, which took place on 22 February in the centre of Manchester.
The victim, Louisa Palmisano—known affectionately as Lulu—was walking hand-in-hand with her parents during a family outing when she was struck by Rehman’s Mercedes Sprinter van. Despite the presence of prominent stop signs at the junction with Mosley Street, Rehman failed to halt, and his vehicle was subsequently hit by a tram before mounting the pavement and colliding with the family. Both parents were knocked aside, but Lulu suffered injuries from which she later died in hospital.
Footage played in court captured the horrifying moment. In the aftermath, Rehman was observed leaving his van, retrieving his mobile phone, and promptly fleeing the scene without offering assistance. Judge Alan Conrad KC delivered the 12-year sentence at Manchester Crown Court, highlighting the devastation caused not only by Rehman’s reckless actions on the day but also by his decision to abscond.
The court heard that Rehman had spent the early hours at two different massage parlours in Manchester, ingesting copious amounts of cocaine—his drug-fuelled state precariously impairing his ability to drive. Prosecutor Rachel Shenton provided further details, revealing that the van Rehman was driving was without an up-to-date MOT certificate and exhibited several mechanical defects, though none were found to have directly contributed to the fatal crash.
Rehman’s criminal past also came to light during proceedings. He previously served a three-year jail term in 2017 for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, after being involved in burning out a vehicle linked to another deadly hit-and-run, which resulted in the loss of a 25-year-old man’s life in Chorlton. Such a history, the prosecution suggested, demonstrated a troubling pattern of behaviour.
Defending, David Toal stated that Rehman had accepted responsibility by confessing to drug consumption levels unknown to the prosecution prior to his admissions. Toal acknowledged that Rehman’s actions after the incident—namely leaving the scene—further aggravated the circumstances. Rehman is reported to have claimed he fled out of panic, subsequently discovering through social media the tragic outcome of his actions and that a child had died.
The family of Louisa Palmisano issued an emotional statement following the sentencing, remembering their daughter as “the sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl.” Lulu had a deep love for attending nursery, was described as full of creativity and happiness, and was the couple’s only child. “Her absence has left a devastating void in our family—she was our whole world,” the statement read. “We were simply enjoying a happy family day out in Manchester when this unimaginable tragedy struck. The pain of losing her is unbearable, and we miss her more than words can ever express.”
The case underscores ongoing nationwide concerns about the dangers posed by drug-impaired driving and the irreversible consequences for innocent families. Community leaders and road safety advocates have once again called for greater awareness and enforcement to tackle the problem.
The death of Louisa Palmisano has resonated both locally and across the country, serving as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of responsible driving. With the lengthy sentence handed down to Rehman, authorities hope justice will bring a measure of comfort to the grieving family, while also sending a powerful message about the consequences of substance abuse behind the wheel.