‘Insulting’ sentence of BMW driver who killed mum and unborn baby
The sentence of a BMW driver who killed former Hollyoaks[1] actress Frankie Hough has been branded "insulting" by her family.
Adil Iqbal was jailed for 12 years after pleading guilty to killing pregnant Frankie Jules-Hough and seriously injuring her nine-year-old son Thomas. The 38-year-old had been travelling with her other son, two-year-old Rocky and four-year-old nephew Tobias in the car at the time. Her unborn baby daughter also died in the crash.
Iqbal, from Accrington, Lancashire,[2] who was driving a BMW at 123mph, was arrested at the scene. He admitted the two offences during a hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court last month. The crash happened on the M66 near Bury, Greater Manchester, on May 13, after the mum-of-two stopped on the motorway hard-shoulder to take a telephone call just before the tragedy.
The mum, Tommy, Rocky and Tobias - all from Chadderton in Oldham - were transported to hospital via air ambulance. Frankie died as a result of the crash. Thomas and Tobias were both placed in induced comas in intensive care, the Mirror reports.[3]
Solicitor Rose Gibson-Harper, who represents the victim's family, said: "Today's 12-year sentence is insulting and an injustice to the catastrophic injuries little Tobias sustained, and the life sentence Mrs Hough's family were needlessly handed following her and her unborn daughter's death due to an act of sheer stupidity.
"Last year, judges were given the power to hand down greater sentences to those convicted of death by dangerous driving - previously, the maximum tariff was 14 years but it was increased to life imprisonment.
"This case stands as one of the worst examples of dangerous driving I have witnessed in my 27-year career as a catastrophic injury lawyer, and we expected the justice system to fulfil its duty and utilise its new-found powers.
"It is important to emphasise that dangerous driving is not a game. It has real and devastating consequences, and we must collectively work towards creating a society that values responsible driving and prioritises the safety of all road users.
"We urge everyone to reflect upon this tragic incident, which should serve as a wake-up call for humanity."
Frankie who starred as Jess Holt in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks[5] from 2000 to 2001 went on to other roles in Merseybeat, Heartbeat, Where the Heart Is and Wire in the Blood. Co-star Paul Danan took to Instagram to share a photo of a smiling Frankie and snippets of their time together on the Channel 4 programme.
Paul, who played Jess' boyfriend Sol Patrick in the soap, wrote: "I just heard the most shocking upsetting news I've heard in such a long time. Another good good friend who was such a special person has sadly passed away while carrying her unborn baby and her 2 little boys and nephew who were in the car too. They had a terrible car accident."
Paul added: "Here is a link to donate some money for these poor little boys she has left behind who are currently fighting for their lives and will be slowly realising that their mummy isn't alive anymore. Just incomprehensible."
In a second post, he wrote: "Frankie will never get to see her family again and as for her unborn child who never even got a chance in life let alone her two little gorgeous boys and nephew won't see their mum or aunty again.
Adil Iqbal, 22, of Accrington (Image: Facebook)
"My heart and prayers goes out to them and the husband who God knows how he's coping right now and also her adorable sister's and parents. May we all come together and do what we can to help and support u.
"I am truly devastated and hurting more than u know, to only find this out yesterday 2 weeks after it happened i feel a bit hopeless but know that God will help you all through it somehow and just maybe had a bigger plan for those two."
Co-star Helen Noble, who played Abby Davies in Hollyoaks, also wrote: "I’m so sad and sorry we’ve lost Franki. I remember joining the cast and I was involved in her exit storyline, you guys were an amazing pair together and Franki was an absolute diamond.
"I adored her. I’ll never forget the night I spent partying with her which I think was your leaving party. I can’t believe she is gone. She was such a special person. Sending love to you xxx"
Air ambulances at the scene of a major crash on the M66 (Image: MEN MEDIA)
A GoFundMe appeal for the family set up by a friend at the time of the crash has so far raised more than £50,000.
The family said on the fundraising page: “Thank you so much for the beautiful comments and all your kind donations. We are overwhelmed with the support, we have no words for your kindness at this time.
“Our page will go towards the families affected and our boys’ recovery. We can hopefully give Tommy, Tobias and Rocky life changing experiences when they recover and help build back our family in memory of our angel Frankie.”
It reads: “Sadly Frankie lost her fight and her and her unborn baby girl passed away early hours [of] Monday morning. Words cannot express what her family and friends are going through now, not to mention her poor boys who now have to grow up without their mummy and sister they never got to meet. This is devastating.
“Frankie touched the lives of so many with her beautiful kind soul. Heaven has gained a true angel, may she rest in eternal peace with her baby girl.
"Frankie is now looking over the boys and we are sure she will be working her healing magic to make sure the boys pull through this.”
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References
- ^ Hollyoaks (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ Lancashire, (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ Mirror reports. (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ Fight broke out at Wirral pub on night of Conor McGregor family funeral (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ Hollyoaks (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ here (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)