Two individuals have been sentenced to prison for causing the death of a compassionate man in what authorities described as an exceptionally reckless driving incident. Sylvester Abayomi, aged 50, lost his life in a collision on Kingsway, Manchester, due to the actions of Uways Hussain, 20, and Usmon Mahmood, 23.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the two individuals, deemed ‘highly dangerous,’ recorded themselves speeding at astonishing rates, reaching up to 139mph in a 30mph zone. The driver, Hussain, and his passenger, Mahmood, were captured consistently driving well over 100mph in a Golf GTi vehicle.
The reckless pair exceeded 130mph multiple times before running a red light and colliding with Mr. Abayomi’s car. The collision, occurring shortly after 4:30 am on March 9, resulted in Mr. Abayomi sustaining severe injuries and tragically passing away.
Both offenders were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court, with Hussain receiving 11 years and eight months, and Mahmood receiving 12 years and nine months behind bars. The court heard evidence that the Golf was recorded at 139mph just five seconds before the crash, with the impact speed at 99mph.
Before the collision, Hussain was observed driving recklessly, including using one hand at high speeds, running red lights, maneuvering through traffic erratically, and inhaling nitrous oxide while driving. The police described their behavior as one of the most extreme cases of speeding they had ever encountered.
Following the crash, the offenders discussed fleeing the scene, removing evidence, considering reporting the car stolen, and even planning to book an Uber to escape. Their conversation was recorded by Hussain’s Apple watch, which detected the high-speed crash and made an emergency call.
Neither of the men checked on Mr. Abayomi’s condition after the collision. When the police arrived, Hussain was found hiding in a garden and had to be subdued with a taser. Mahmood was also located in a nearby garden, with several nitrous oxide canisters discovered in the vicinity.
Judge Nicholas Dean KC condemned their actions, stating that they displayed a flagrant disregard for the safety of others and engaged in risk-taking for the thrill of it. He emphasized that the recorded driving footage was terrifying and far exceeded any safe or legal speed limits.
In addition to their imprisonment, both offenders will serve at least two-thirds of their sentences and face an eight-year driving ban. They must also pass extended driving tests before regaining their driving privileges. The court also heard emotional statements from Mr. Abayomi’s partner, Denise Doyle, expressing the profound impact of his loss.
Detective Sergeant Thomas Johnson from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit highlighted the severity of the case and emphasized the need for public vigilance against dangerous driving behaviors. He expressed condolences to Mr. Abayomi’s family and urged the public to report any concerns regarding reckless driving to the authorities.
