‘Devoted’ community leader was killed after speeding Mercedes smashed into his car in hit and run

A ‘respectful’ and ‘deeply religious’ delivery driver was killed when a speeding Mercedes smashed into his car, before making off from the scene, an inquest has heard. Aqeel Akhtar, 60, was described as a “well known man in the community” as an inquest into his death opened at Bolton Coroners’ Court last Friday (March 3). Police coroner’s officer Julieann Hyde told the hearing that Mr Akhtar was pronounced dead in Salford Royal Hospital , on February 20 – more than three weeks on from being involved in a crash on Halliwell Road, Bolton .

She said: “On January 28, Aqeel Akhtar attended at an address on Halliwell Road in Bolton, in order to make a delivery. Having done so he returned to his vehicle. READ MORE : Constance Marten and Mark Gordon remanded into custody as court hears remains of baby were found in plastic bag “Mr Akhtar waited until the road was clear, allowing vehicles to pass, before pulling out onto Halliwell Road.

As he did so, a Mercedes car travelling along Halliwell Road, in the direction of Moss Bank Way, at excessive speed, struck the offside of Mr Akhtar’s vehicle. Halliwell Road, Bolton (Image: Manchester Evening News) “Mr Akhtar was ejected through the driver’s window. The driver from the offending vehicle made off from the scene and enquiries are ongoing.

” GMP confirmed that a man has been charged with death by dangerous driving and failure to stop. Zoltan Lakatos, 25, of no fixed abode, has been remanded into custody and is due at Bolton Crown Court on March 30. Following a post mortem, pathologist Dr Robinson recorded ‘multiple injuries’ as the cause of Mr Akthar’s death.

In a tribute following his death, Mr Akhtar’s family called him a ‘respectful and deeply religious’ man who will be remembered for his charity and community work, and will be ‘sorely missed’. In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “Our father was a respectful, god-fearing family man. He spent his life devoted to his religion, family, and community.

He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and loved ones,” they said. “Over the years, he has established charities supporting the local community in Bolton and across the world. He always had a passion to help those who are less fortunate, orphans, and widows.

One of his last acts was to establish a new charity, Humanity World, which his friends and family endeavour to work upon. “In terms of his religious work, he ran Radio Ramadan for a number of years and more recently took on segments at Salaam BCR. He worked closely with local places of worship and religious organisations, winning multiple awards for his community work.

He has led many pilgrims to perform Hajj and Umrah as a group leader. “His impact is widely felt across the local and international community today. He was a well loved individual who will be sorely missed by many.

As a family, we ask for this time to grieve our loss, be together, and remember his legacy and loving memories. ” Read more of today’s top stories here READ NEXT: Ten men charged in child sexual exploitation investigation in Bolton Family of young woman, 22, murdered by her sadistic boyfriend issue urgent plea The gang who used the vulnerable, Covid and a city centre hotel to peddle misery to thousands MI5 missed ‘significant opportunity’ to take action which might have prevented Manchester Arena bombing, inquiry finds Didsbury mosque responds to stinging Manchester Arena bombing inquiry criticism.