Adil Iqbal of Hope Street, Accrington, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to death by dangerous driving. Appearing in court on Wednesday, July 19, Iqbal was also handed a 13-year disqualification from driving as a result of his reckless actions.

The devastating incident occurred on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at approximately 15.10 when Greater Manchester Police responded to reports of a serious collision involving two vehicles on the southbound lanes of the M66 in Bury.

Witnesses observed a black BMW being driven erratically by Iqbal, who recklessly weaved in and out of traffic, dangerously overtaking and undertaking other cars. The black BMW was seen driving at high speeds for an extended stretch of the motorway before the fatal collision took place.

As Iqbal lost control of his vehicle due to the excessive speed, the car spun and collided with the stationary car of the victim, Frankie Hough, which was parked on the hard shoulder. Tragically, Frankie was pregnant at the time of the collision.

In the aftermath of the crash, Iqbal managed to free himself from his car, but Frankie and her three children were trapped inside the vehicle and were all unconscious, except for her 2-year-old son, who cried out for his mother. Brave members of the public rushed to assist in freeing the family from the wreckage until emergency services arrived.

Frankie sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the hospital along with her three children. Sadly, she succumbed to her injuries and passed away on Monday, May 15.

Iqbal was immediately arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and subsequently charged and remanded into custody.

Detective Constable Richie Hughes of GMP’s Road Policing Unit expressed his condolences to Frankie’s family and children, who were also affected by the tragic collision. He emphasised the gravity of Iqbal’s reckless actions, highlighting his complete disregard for other road users’ safety.