Two individuals have been sentenced to prison for causing the death of a compassionate man in what authorities have described as one of the most severe cases of reckless driving encountered by officers.
Sylvester Abayomi, aged 50, lost his life in a collision on Kingsway, Manchester, in March this year, which was triggered by the actions of Uways Hussain, 20, and Usmon Mahmood, 23.
The court was informed that the two reckless individuals captured themselves speeding at an alarming 139mph in a 30mph zone. Hussain, the driver, and Mahmood, the passenger, consistently recorded speeds well above 100mph in a Golf GTi.
Multiple instances saw the pair exceeding 130mph, culminating in them running a red light and colliding with a vehicle driven by Mr. Abayomi. He sustained severe injuries and tragically succumbed to the collision shortly after 4:30 am on March 9.
During the sentencing at Manchester Crown Court, Hussain received a term of 11 years and eight months, while Mahmood was sentenced to 12 years and nine months.
Prosecutor Rachel Shenton informed the court that in the five seconds leading up to the crash, the Golf was clocked at 139mph, with the impact speed recorded at 99mph.
Prior to the incident, Hussain was captured on film driving recklessly with one hand, running red lights, maneuvering through traffic, and inhaling nitrous oxide while steering. Authorities deemed this behavior as one of the most egregious instances of speeding they had ever observed.
Mr. Abayomi was on his way to work when he proceeded onto Kingsway in his Volvo S40 on a green light, only to be fatally struck when the offenders disregarded a red light.
Following the collision, the two individuals discussed fleeing the scene, tampering with evidence, contemplating reporting the car as stolen, and arranging an Uber for escape. Their conversation was inadvertently recorded after Hussain’s Apple watch detected the crash and initiated an emergency call.
Mahmood, the Golf owner, expressed regret over the damaged vehicle and discussed escape plans, including booking an Uber swiftly. Neither of the individuals bothered to check on Mr. Abayomi’s condition at the scene.
Upon police arrival, Hussain was apprehended hiding in a garden and had to be subdued with a taser. Initially denying his role as the driver, he later inquired about the incident, claiming ignorance.
Mahmood was also found in a nearby garden, with several nitrous oxide canisters discovered in the vicinity of their arrest.
Judge Nicholas Dean KC condemned their blatant disregard for the safety of others, labeling their actions as thrill-seeking risk-taking that far exceeded any safe or legal limits.
Post-collision, the judge criticized their decision to flee instead of offering assistance, characterizing their actions as calculated evasion tactics.
Hussain, from Burnage, admitted guilt for causing death by dangerous driving and received a sentence of 11 years and eight months, considering his prior driving ban for drug driving in October 2024.
Mahmood, hailing from Levenshulme, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving, a rare conviction for a passenger. He was sentenced to 12 years and nine months after accounting for his guilty plea.
Both individuals are mandated to serve at least two-thirds of their sentences and face an eight-year driving ban. They must also pass extended driving tests before regaining the privilege to drive.
Denise Doyle, Mr. Abayomi’s partner, emotionally described the impact of his loss, highlighting his kindness, dedication, and vibrant spirit that left a permanent void in her life.
In a statement post-court hearing, Doyle commemorated her late partner as a caring and beloved individual who will be deeply missed.
Detective Sergeant Thomas Johnson of Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit emphasized the severity of the incident, extending condolences to Mr. Abayomi’s family and urging the public to report dangerous driving behaviors to law enforcement.