Bail restrictions tightened for London man convicted in fatal collision

Bahaa Ali has been released on bail awaiting his sentencing in a fatal crash that took the life of a 67-year-old Joan Clubb.

A London man convicted of criminal negligence causing death in connection with a November 2020 collision will remain out on bail, but faces significantly stricter conditions, a judge ruled Tuesday afternoon.

Bahaa Ali, found guilty on March 11 of the charge related to the traffic death of 67-year-old Joan Clubb, will not have his bail revoked despite concerns raised by the Crown.

Clubb was a passenger in a vehicle that was struck by Ali in the 2020 incident. Ali had initially been granted bail pending his sentencing.

The Crown sought to revoke Ali’s bail, presenting details of a separate traffic accident in March of last year. The hearing was shown video footage of a vehicle travelling at a high speed, losing control, and colliding with a utility pole on Oxford Street East near Fanshawe College.

Assistant Crown Attorney Clara Douglas described Ali’s driving in that incident as “horrifically dangerous.” No one was injured in the March 2025 crash, and Ali was charged with dangerous driving. That matter remains before the courts.

The Crown also brought forward a 2018 incident where Ali was charged with failing to comply with police, as well as various Highway Traffic Act violations, including speeding and failing to obey traffic signs.

Representing Ali, lawyer Melina Machia argued that her client has complied with the driving prohibition since it was imposed last spring.

“Since he’s been subject to the undertaking in March of 2025, he has not been charged with any events,” Machia stated.

“So that’s a year where he’s been governing himself to comply with the conditions of this undertaking even without surety.”

Justice Barbara MacFarlane denied the Crown’s request to revoke bail.

“While there’s some evidence that Mr. Ali poses a risk,” Justice MacFarlane said.

“I’m not satisfied the Crown has shown that Mr. Ali’s immediate incarceration is required to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice. I find the risks can be addressed by a modified bail.”

Under the new bail terms, Ali is prohibited from driving and is forbidden from even sitting behind the wheel of a car. He must surrender his driver’s license and all travel documents. Additionally, Ali and his older brother, Alaa Ali, are each required to post a $5,000 bond, with Alaa acting as a surety for his brother.

The Crown indicated it will be seeking a sentence of three to five years in prison. The sentencing hearing for Bahaa Ali is scheduled for April 24.