Speed Demon’s Sentence Hiked After Pregnant Woman Killed in M66 Crash
A reckless driver who filmed himself tearing down the M66 at over 100mph and caused a fatal smash that killed a pregnant woman and her unborn baby has seen his jail time bumped up.
Adil Iqbal’s 12-Year Term Boosted to 15 Years
Adil Iqbal, 22, from Accrington, originally copped 12 years behind bars. But after the Solicitor General called the sentence “unduly lenient,” the Court of Appeal slammed on an extra three years.
The court also extended Iqbal’s driving ban, slapping a five-year disqualification with a further 10-year extension on top.
Deadly High-Speed Crash on the M66
- On 13 May 2023, Iqbal was driving his BMW at 112mph towards Manchester.
- He swerved to avoid another car and slammed into Frankie Jules-Hough’s stationary car on the hard shoulder.
- Frankie, 25, was 17 weeks pregnant and travelling with her two sons and a nephew.
- She died two days later from catastrophic injuries. Her unborn baby also didn’t survive.
- The children were left in induced comas, with uncertain long-term health.
History of Reckless Driving and Shocking Self-Filming
Iqbal had a sketchy past, including convictions for driving without insurance and while disqualified, plus prior police warnings for vehicle racing.
He denied speeding, blaming tyre issues for losing control and refused to give police the PIN to his phone.
Yet investigators found footage of him filming himself zooming between 107 and 123mph right before the crash.
“Adil Iqbal’s driving that day ripped apart a young family that had so much to look forward to – not least welcoming a new baby,” said Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson KC MP.
“It is deplorable enough that he was travelling at such excessive speed but endangering lives further by filming himself was simply inexcusable.”
“I am pleased the court has recognised the severity of his crimes and hope Iqbal’s increased sentence sends a stark warning to people who think it is acceptable to drive at high speeds and put the lives of others in jeopardy.”
