A 31-year-old London man, Bahaa Ali, faces mounting legal challenges after a court convicted him of dangerous driving causing death in a high-speed crash that killed 67-year-old Joan Clubb.
The Deadly Collision
On November 3, 2020, Clubb rode as a passenger in a light brown Hyundai Sonata at the intersection of Southdale and White Oak roads. A black Mercedes Benz, traveling at speeds up to 129 km/h in a 60 km/h zone, slammed into the vehicle. Emergency responders rushed Clubb to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
London police investigated the incident and charged Ali, leading to a trial last fall.
Trial Testimony and Verdict
Justice Barbara MacFarlane delivered the guilty verdict. Ali testified that his brother drove the Mercedes that day and claimed he lied to police to protect his younger sibling. The judge rejected this account, stating, “I find Mr. Ali’s explanation unbelievable and likely implausible…it is not reliable evidence.”
Evidence showed Ali operated the vehicle at extreme speeds through a busy commercial area. MacFarlane ruled, “Mr. Ali chose to operate his vehicle at an extreme rate of speed within a busy commercial area.” She emphasized, “Driving more than double the speed limit was a deliberate, reckless and willful act contrary to the standard of a reasonably prudent driver.”
Bail Revocation and New Charges
Following the verdict, Crown Attorney Cara Douglas requested revocation of Ali’s bail. She revealed Ali faces a new charge of dangerous operation of a vehicle, laid exactly one year prior on March 11, 2025.
Defense lawyer Melina Macchia expressed shock, noting, “I have to say that I am completely shocked to hear that, that is the case after six years.” She clarified Ali received release via an appearance notice without conditions.
The bail application hearing occurs Tuesday, while sentencing for the dangerous driving conviction schedules for April 24, 2026.
