Two men have been sentenced to prison following a fatal collision in Manchester that occurred while they were inhaling nitrous oxide and driving at speeds exceeding 100mph. The incident claimed the life of 50-year-old Sylvester Abayomi, who was en route to work.
Details of the Crash
Uways Hussain, 20, was driving a VW Golf GTI owned by his friend Usmon Mahmood, 23, when he ran a red light and collided with Mr Abayomi's vehicle. The crash took place at 4:30 am on 9 March at the junction of Green End Road and Kingsway, as heard at Manchester Crown Court on Friday.
Victim Impact Statement
Mr Abayomi's partner, Denise Doyle, delivered a poignant victim impact statement. She said: "Sylvester was simply on his way to work. An ordinary hard-working man. He should have returned home to me safely that day. Because of your actions he never did." Addressing the defendants directly, she added: "You left Sylv to die alone. You did not show him even a shred of compassion or humanity."
Sentences Handed Down
Hussain, who had previously indicated a guilty plea, was sentenced to 11 years and eight months detention. He admitted causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving whilst uninsured, and failing to provide a specimen. Mahmood, who initially claimed he tried to warn Hussain about his driving before pleading guilty, received a 12-year and nine-month jail term for aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving and aiding and abetting causing death by driving whilst uninsured.
Judge's Remarks
Judge Nicholas Dean KC condemned their actions, stating: "It was a sustained, deliberate and escalating course of highly dangerous conduct over a prolonged period." He described CCTV images and video recordings shown in court as "terrifying," noting: "You drove at extreme speeds, seemingly up to very nearly 140mph, on roads which were by and large subject to 30mph speed limits, far, far in excess of any safe or lawful limit."
The court heard that both men handled mobile phones, recorded videos, and inhaled nitrous oxide during their journey. Videos filmed by the defendants hours before the crash depicted Hussain driving at over 100mph with one hand on the wheel. Prosecutor Rachel Shenton highlighted that Mahmood, the front seat passenger, was heard "shouting encouragement" at times. Judge Dean concluded it was "deliberate risk-taking, seemingly for the thrill of it."
Aftermath of the Collision
Following the crash, an Apple Watch worn by Hussain automatically dialled 999 after detecting the collision. Unaware of the call, the pair were recorded discussing calling an Uber to leave the scene and reporting the car as stolen. Judge Dean described the transcript of this call as "chilling," noting it "doesn't reveal shock or concern for the victim." Ms Shenton confirmed the men fled the scene and ran from officers before their arrest.
Defence Statements
Neil Ronan, defending Hussain, stated his client was a law student who worked full-time at an airport and had a previous conviction for drug-driving. Clare Ashcroft, representing Mahmood, said he was about to start an apprenticeship with Network Rail and was "starting to understand the impact of his behaviour. In my submission he is remorseful."
