Driver who killed Cristina jailed
The driver who killed a Lincoln woman he hit on a pedestrian crossing has been sentenced to four years in prison.
Tarequl Islam, 32, failed to stop at a red light on at the crossing on Carholme Road and had previously admitted one charge of causing death by dangerous driving following the collision in May 2025.
Islam was driving his red Peugeot 107 towards the Lincoln Bypass about 8pm on Tuesday, May 13 when mother of two Maria Cristina Cherino Munoz (known as Cristina Cherino), 55, was crossing the road with her two dogs.
Islam’s car struck her causing serious injuries she died in hospital 17 days later.
Islam, Lindum Avenue, Lincoln, was delivering food at the time and stopped at the scene immediately afterwards.
He was today sentenced yesterday at Lincoln Crown Court to four years imprisonment. He was also banned from driving for a total of seven years and must take an extended re-test before being allowed to drive again.
The sentencing follows an extensive investigation by Lincolnshire Police’s Serious and Forensic Collision Investigation Units, who established that Islam was not driving at excess speed or using a mobile phone at the time of the collision. There were no mechanical defects with the Peugeot that would have caused or contributed to the crash.
In interview Islam stated that the position of the sun had affected his forward view and he had failed to see the pedestrian crossing ahead. He also explained that he had not slowed down or stopped because of the sun glare as he was worried about other vehicles behind being affected by his driving.
Detective Sergeant James Perring, from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This collision is solely down to Islam’s failure to adhere to the basic rules of the road. In failing to adhere to the Highway Code advice regarding being dazzled by sunlight, he missed the red light with tragic consequences for Cristina.
“I would want to reiterate the importance of obeying all traffic signals and the Highway Code. Failing to adjust your driving to the conditions can have catastrophic consequences for all involved and in this case has taken a cherished mother from her family, who must now continue without her guiding light.”
