Two men have been jailed for their roles in a fatal high-speed crash in Manchester that killed a pedestrian while they were under the influence of nitrous oxide. Uways Hussain, 20, and Usmon Mahmood, 23, were driving at speeds of up to 139mph in a 30mph zone when they struck 50-year-old Sylvester Abayomi.
The incident occurred at the junction of Green End Road and Kingsway at approximately 4:30 am on March 9. Footage shown in Manchester Crown Court revealed the pair inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon, running red lights, and weaving through traffic before the collision.
Victim's Family Speaks Out
Denise Doyle, Abayomi's partner, addressed the court, stating: "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." 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 indicated a guilty plea at magistrates court, was sentenced to 11 years and eight months' detention after admitting causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving while uninsured, and failing to provide a specimen. Mahmood, who initially claimed he tried to warn his friend about his driving, was jailed for 12 years and nine months after admitting aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving and aiding and abetting causing death by driving while uninsured.
Greater Manchester Police noted that these sentences are believed to be among the highest for a death by dangerous driving offence involving a single fatality.
Court Details
Judge Dean KC described the footage as "terrifying," noting that the defendants drove at extreme speeds, far exceeding safe limits. Prosecutor Rachel Shenton stated that Mahmood was heard shouting encouragement during the drive. After the crash, Hussain's Apple Watch automatically called 999, but the pair discussed calling an Uber to leave the scene and reporting the car as stolen. Judge Dean called the transcript "chilling," highlighting a lack of concern for the victim.
Defense attorneys noted that Hussain was a law student working full-time at an airport, while Mahmood was about to start an apprenticeship with Network Rail. Mahmood's lawyer said he is beginning to understand the impact of his behavior and is remorseful.
