Wasim Iqbal, 26, from Bolton, is back behind bars. The man previously convicted for causing the death of Bolton Mayoress Gay Wharton in 2020 has been handed an extra four years and three months for a string of driving and drug offences.
On July 5, 2023, alert locals spotted Iqbal driving a grey BMW 3 Series despite being disqualified from driving. They tipped off the Safer Roads Targeting Team (SRTT), who quickly located him. When officers tried to stop him, Iqbal sped off, running red lights and driving on the wrong side of the road in a dangerous bid to escape.
The dramatic pursuit ended when Iqbal’s BMW smashed into a bus. Miraculously, no passengers were hurt. Iqbal tried to flee on foot but was caught shortly after. He was charged with driving while disqualified, dangerous driving, no insurance, and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
At Bolton Crown Court on December 18, Iqbal pleaded guilty to all charges. PCs Tom Berry and Matt Sale from the SRTT slammed his reckless driving, warning it could have caused another fatal disaster. They praised the public’s sharp eyes for helping nab a dangerous driver who ignores the law and puts lives at risk.
This case is a stark reminder: community vigilance saves lives and reckless drivers face tough penalties.
Originally published by UKNIP.
