Calgary man on trial for fatal hit-and-run has previous dangerous driving convictions

A Calgary man accused of fatally striking a woman with his vehicle and then speeding away has a criminal history involving hit and run, dangerous driving, fleeing police and robberies, court records show. 

Hani Salama, 45, is now on trial for hit and run causing death.

He is accused of causing fatal injuries to 27-year-old Alok Akot and then driving away in October 2022.

Five years before Akot's death, Salama was sentenced to 69 months in prison for two sets of crimes in 2014.

On Monday, prosecutor Alex Russell delivered an opening statement, telling Justice Jim Sawa that the only issue is whether Salama was behind the wheel of his black Mercedes Benz at the time of the collision. 

Salama, represented by defence lawyer Tariq Salloum, has already admitted the Mercedes was the vehicle involved in the hit and run.

Just before 8 p.m. on Oct. 27, 2022,  Akot crossed the west-bound lanes of 17th Avenue S.E. at 44th Street against a "Don't Walk" light. 

As video of the hit-and-run incident was played in court, Akot's mother let out a soft wail as she watched her daughter thrown 11 metres by a vehicle that sped away. 

The video shows one vehicle in the left lane, waiting to make a turn as Akot crosses the street. She is nearing the sidewalk as the Mercedes zooms through the frame, striking Akot and then driving off. 

"The collision was unavoidable given [Akot's] location in the crosswalk and the obstructed view of the driver," said Russell, referencing the car in the left lane. 

But the issue is that the driver who caused Akot's fatal injuries did not stop. 

Instead, video evidence played in the trial shows nearby bystanders and people in their vehicles rushed to Akot's side with police and paramedics arriving shortly after.

The conduct of the driver was described by Russell as "egregious."

The victim was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition but died of her injuries the next evening.