Manchester Tragedy Man Sentenced to 12 Years After Deadly Crash That Took Life of Toddler Lulu

A heartbreaking case that shook Manchester has come to a close with the sentencing of 36-year-old Rawal Rehman, who was given 12 years in prison after causing the tragic death of a three-year-old girl in a devastating city centre crash.

A Day That Changed Everything

On the morning of Saturday, 22 February 2025, the lives of a young family were shattered forever. Three-year-old Louisa Palmisano, lovingly known as Lulu, was walking hand-in-hand with her parents down Booth Street in Manchester when tragedy struck.

A Mercedes Sprinter van, driven recklessly by Rehman, plowed onto the pavement after colliding with a tram at the junction of Nicholas Street and Mosley Street. Ignoring multiple stop signs, Rehman’s dangerous driving led to the van careening off course, striking Lulu and inflicting fatal injuries.

She was rushed to Manchester Royal Infirmary, where doctors did all they could — but her injuries proved too severe. Lulu died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Reckless Driver Fled the Scene

Rather than stay to face the consequences, Rehman abandoned the van and fled in a taxi. For two days, he evaded law enforcement, hiding in a restaurant until he was finally tracked down and arrested on 24 February. Authorities identified him using documents left behind in the van.

During his police interview, Rehman admitted to being the driver at the time of the crash but denied his actions were dangerous, claiming he "panicked" and fled the scene. His refusal to accept responsibility and his cowardly escape only deepened the pain for Lulu’s grieving family.

Court Delivers Sentence

Rehman pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday, 27 May 2025. Alongside his 12-year prison sentence, he was disqualified from driving for 13 years and eight months and will need to pass an extended test before being allowed back on the road.

A Family's Painful Statement

In a heart-wrenching victim impact statement read during the hearing, Lulu’s parents shared the immeasurable sorrow and loss they have endured:

“Lulu was our only child and the centre of our world. Her joyful spirit, vivid imagination, and kind heart touched everyone who knew her. At just three years old, she brought more light and love than we ever thought possible.”

They described the devastation of watching their daughter die, the emotional, physical, and financial toll it has taken, and the unimaginable void left behind.

“No parent should ever have to witness the death of their child… This is not about retribution, but about honouring Lulu’s life and the love we will always carry for her.”

The family also expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported them — from police and medical staff to victim support services and those who stood beside them throughout their grief.

Police Condemn Driver’s Actions

Detective Inspector Andrew Page, who led the investigation, condemned Rehman’s reckless behavior and called the incident “completely avoidable.”

“Rehman’s callous actions on that fatal day have changed a family’s lives forever. This tragedy was completely avoidable and Rehman must now face the consequences.”

A Life Remembered

Though justice has been served, the pain of Lulu’s loss remains. Her family remains determined to keep her memory alive — not in sorrow, but through love and kindness.

“Lulu’s memory lives on in us — in every act of kindness, in every moment of courage, and in every step we take forward. We will continue to speak her name and ensure her light is never forgotten.”

This case stands as a solemn reminder of the irreversible damage that reckless driving can inflict — and the innocent lives it can take in an instant.