A man has been pictured grinning in a police mugshot after his driving killed an eight-year-old boy who was on his way to the mosque. 

Nicholas Hopkins, 20, ploughed into Mustafa Ahmed, his 10-year-old brother and his dad as they crossed the road. 

Mustafa was later pronounced dead at the scene while his dad was left in a coma for two months. 

Hopkins, of Burrage Grove in Plumstead, has now pleaded guilty to causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving. 

He also admitted driving whilst uninsured and possession of class B drugs.

News Shopper: Nicholas HopkinsNicholas Hopkins (Image: Met Police) 

The incident took place at around 7.30pm on Sunday February 19. 

Detective Sergeant Sam Miles, from the Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “Our thoughts remain with Mustafa’s family – who continue to struggle with the events of that day – as well as the officers and paramedics who were first on scene. 
 
“This is truly a tragic case, caused by the defendants reckless and dangerous driving. Mustafa was only eight years old, and had the rest of his life ahead of him.” 

Greenwich Council has since outlined plans to add traffic calming measures to Plumstead Road. 

The topic was raised during a highways committee meeting for Greenwich Council earlier this month following a petition to add traffic calming measures that receives 1,860. 

At the meeting, the committee agreed to suggest a 20mph zone be added to the road as soon as possible, along with a speed table, a potential pinch point and increasing the time available for people to cross the road. 

The recommendations are set to be presented to the full council at a meeting on December 6.