GB News exclusive: Maida Vale driver's release is a 'huge weight off his shoulders'

Speaking in an exclusive interview with GB News, the lawyer of a driver who mowed down a knifeman with his car in Maida Vale has reacted after his client has been released by police with no further action.

Lawyer Mohammed Akunjee told GB News that his client, who was originally arrested on suspicion of murder, "is very relieved" after he was released without charge by Metropolitan Police.

The 26-year-old driver, known as 'Abraham', mowed down Leon McCaskre in his car after McCaskre stabbed his ex-partner Yasmin Chkaifi to death in the street in Maida Vale, west London, last week.

Speaking on behalf of his client, Mohammed Akunjee said the news was "a great weight off his shoulders".

Speaking in admiration of his client, 'Abraham's' lawyer said "I only wish there was a factory which produced people like him".

"He lingers on the belief that anyone would have done the same. He wouldn't change a thing. The only thing he regrets is that he wasn't able to intervene sooner and save the young lady's life."

When asked about why he took on the case, Mohammed Akunjee said he was inspired by the "want to change the world for the better"

"In this way we can change someone's life for the better. This is one of the few cases where if you're doing your job you feel good about it". said Akunjee.

The lawyer highlighted that his client now 'wants to get on with his life' and "this news today has gone a long way to reducing his and his family's stress".

Mohammed Akunjee, posted a statement on Twitter expressing the driver’s gratitude for the outpouring of support.

He said: “I am grateful that they have taken this sensible course of action. I will of course continue to assist them and any coroner’s inquest should the need arise.

“I once again wish to express my gratitude to the British public who supported me so vocally at this most stressful and trying time. I also wish to express my gratitude to my solicitor Mr Akunjee who supported myself and my family through this process.

“I hope that in my actions a message has been sent to society: should you see an evil it is a duty upon you to stop it with your hands, if you cannot then you should stop it by speaking out, if you cannot then at the very least you should hate it with your heart.

“May peace be upon you all.”

Thousands of people had signed a petition in support of the driver, and members of Ms Chfaiki’s family were also reported to have hailed him as 'a hero'.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson said: “Having reviewed the CCTV evidence and taken statements of numerous members of the public and attending officers, as well as reviewing the legal position regarding self-defence and defence of another, a decision has been taken that the driver of the car, a 26-year-old man, will face no further police action.

“He is considered a vital witness to our investigation and will be offered support from professionals to help him come to terms with the terrifying situation he was confronted with.

“It is vitally important that when a person dies there is a thorough investigation into all of the circumstances and this has taken place. Such decisions must be thoroughly examined and while this process takes time this has been a priority for my team. The man’s legal advisers have been informed of this decision.

“Inquests have opened in relation to both deaths and my team will continue to work to provide evidence for the coroner. We continue to appeal for witnesses to this incident who have yet to speak to police to come forward and do so.”