Pair jailed over 139mph Manchester crash that killed pedestrian

Uways Hussain and Usmon Mahmood have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms following a fatal collision in Manchester that claimed the life of 50-year-old Sylvester Abayomi. The pair were travelling at speeds of up to 139mph in a 30mph zone while inhaling nitrous oxide when they ran red lights and weaved through traffic before hitting Abayomi at the junction of Green End Road and Kingsway. The crash occurred at around 4:30am, and both men were later convicted of offences related to causing death by dangerous driving. Hussain, the driver, received an 11-year and eight-month sentence after pleading guilty to causing death and failing to provide a specimen, while Mahmood, the passenger, was jailed for 12 years and nine months for aiding and abetting causing death. Court footage showed the reckless driving and the moments leading up to the collision, including the men filming themselves inhaling nitrous oxide and encouraging the dangerous behaviour. Prosecutors highlighted that the pair showed no remorse, with evidence of them discussing plans to call an Uber and report the car as stolen to evade responsibility. The victim’s partner, Denise Doyle, described Abayomi as a hardworking man who was simply on his way to work and expressed heartbreak over his death. The judge condemned the defendants’ actions as terrifying and reckless, emphasizing the extreme danger posed by driving at nearly five times the speed limit. Greater Manchester Police noted the sentences are among the longest handed down for a single fatality caused by dangerous driving in the region. Defence lawyers acknowledged the defendants’ backgrounds, with Hussain being a law student employed full-time at an airport and Mahmood preparing to start an apprenticeship with Network Rail. However, the court found their actions to be inexcusable given the tragic outcome. The case underscores the severe consequences of reckless driving and substance misuse on public safety.