Two men have been jailed for causing a fatal crash after driving at up to 139mph in a 30mph zone while inhaling nitrous oxide. Uways Hussain, 20, and Usmon Mahmood, 23, were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court for the death of Sylvester Abayomi, 50, who was killed when their car struck another vehicle last year.
Hussain was driving a Volkswagen Golf GTI at more than four times the speed limit through residential streets in Manchester. The pair filmed themselves inhaling laughing gas from a balloon, running red lights and weaving through traffic moments before the collision. The court heard they had been on a “night of reckless driving and drug taking”.
“Two men jailed for 12 and 10 years after driving at 139mph in a 30mph Manchester zone while inhaling nitrous oxide, killing Sylvester Abayomi.”
The crash happened when Hussain ran a red light and hit another car, killing Mr Abayomi, a pedestrian. The victim was described as a much-loved family man. Judge Rachel Shenton said their actions were “nothing short of catastrophic” and that they showed a “complete disregard for the safety of others”.
The case has drawn attention to the dangers of nitrous oxide use and extreme speeding. The incident took place in a 30mph zone, highlighting the devastating consequences of such behaviour in built-up areas. Both men were also convicted of drug-driving offences.
Hussain was sentenced to 12 years and Mahmood to 10 years in prison. Greater Manchester Police welcomed the sentences, saying the pair had “shown no remorse” for their actions. The force added that the video evidence was crucial in securing convictions.
What happens next? Both men will serve their sentences in prison. The case may be used as a deterrent in future prosecutions involving speeding and drug use. Campaigners are likely to call for stricter penalties for those who film reckless driving.
What This Means For You: This case serves as a stark reminder of the lethal risks of speeding and drug-driving. For families in residential areas, it underscores the importance of road safety enforcement. If you witness dangerous driving, you can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers or your local police force. The use of nitrous oxide as a recreational drug is illegal and carries severe penalties, including imprisonment.