Driver Pleads Guilty in Birmingham Eid Crash Death

Javonnie Tavener, 23, pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court to causing death by careless driving, causing death while uninsured, and two counts of causing serious injury by careless driving after his car struck and killed four-year-old Mayar Yahia in Birmingham on April 14, 2024. Mayar was walking with her family after Eid celebrations when Tavener's Corsa collided with another vehicle, breached a barrier, and hit a group of pedestrians, seriously injuring Mayar's mother and their neighbour. Mayar was pronounced dead at the scene. The tragedy has caused profound grief for her family, with her father describing her as 'full of life and joy.' The incident has sparked community outrage and calls for stricter road safety enforcement, and the road where the crash occurred is set to be pedestrianised following campaigns by the family and local activists. Tavener remains in custody pending sentencing.