Terrifying moment driver speeds the wrong way on the M25 in stolen van to kill two people
Published: 15:16, 22 June 2024 | Updated: 15:19, 22 June 2024
Footage captured the shocking moment a ‘selfish’ driver sped the wrong way down the M25 in a stolen van, killing two people.
Barancan Nurcin, 22, was handed an 18 year prison sentence – the longest ever imposed for death by dangerous driving- after speeding the wrong way down the busy motorway without a licence in a stolen vehicle.
The shocking footage shows the van speeding contraflow on the inside lane of the Orbital motorway.
At around 3.40am on February 4 police were alerted by an ANPR camera to a white Citroen Dispatch van which had been reported as stolen.
They found the stolen van travelling southbound at Junction 6A of the M1, where it failed to stop and a police pursuit was authorised.
A ‘selfish’ driver sped up the wrong way down the M25, killing two people
Barancan Nurcin has been sentenced to a record 18 years in prison after speeding contraflow without a licence
Police were alerted to his stolen Citroen Dispatch van on the M1 before it came off the carriageway using an emergency access exit and then rejoined the road in the wrong direction
Pictured: The scene of the crash between Junction 21A and 22 of the M25
Two other vehicles, a Skoda Superb and a Peugeot 5008, collided with debris following the crash on the Orbital motorway
Police pursued the van as it took an emergency access road off the main carriageway, before it headed back on to the motorway – this time travelling towards oncoming traffic.
Officers were forced to abandon the pursuit for public safety, before the vehicle was spotted again in Breakspear Way, Hemel Hempstead, where it again failed to stop.
The van was then seen a short time later travelling against the flow of traffic on the M25.
At around 4:08 am it collided between Junctions 21A and 22 with a silver DFSK 580 Glory. Both Zoe Hawkes, 39, and Fahad Dek died at the scene.
Mrs Hawkes, from Essex, was travelling to Luton Airport to go on holiday for her 40th birthday with her husband, who sustained broken bones, severe face damage and bleeding to the brain.
Dek was sitting in the passenger seat of Nurcin’s van when he died.
Nurcin was already on bail for a grievous bodily harm assault, for which he was given a suspended 15-month prison sentence which has now been activated.
He will also concurrently serve an additional five-month sentence for a separate public order offence in London.
Two other vehicles – a silver Skoda Superb and a black Peugeot 5008 – collided with debris, causing five people to sustain injuries.
The Peugeot contained another couple who being driven by a friend to Heathrow for a holiday to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. All three are still recovering from their injuries.
The two occupants of the Skoda both sustained injuries and bruising.
Officers located Nurcin nearby and he was taken to hospital with serious injuries, where he was later arrested before being taken into custody.
His licence had already been revoked in 2021 when he was caught driving on cannabis.
The DVLA was notified of a health issue relating to Nurcin’s drug use. He would otherwise have been eligible to re-apply for his licence next year.
On Tuesday 26 March, Nurcin, from Tottenham, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death whilst unlicensed, causing death whilst uninsured and four of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He was sentenced on Friday at St Albans Crown Court to 18 years in prison.
Zoe Hawes, 39, was on her way to Luton with her husband for a holiday to celebrate her 40th birthday when Nurcin’s van crashed into her car
Nurcin’s passenger Fahad Dek, 23, also died on the scene
Chief Inspector Steve O’Keeffe, from the RPU, said: ‘Although nothing can make up for the pain Nurcin has caused, I am pleased with today’s result. Nurcin’s actions have had catastrophic consequences causing the deaths of two innocent people.
‘Many more lives have also been destroyed through the trauma and heartache he has caused.
The impact of this dreadful collision cannot be overstated and my thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones.
‘Zoe Hawes was a much loved mother and grandmother whose life was cruelly cut short because of Nurcin. Zoe’s husband will require intensive therapy for a long period of time to assist with physical movement, communication and cognitive skills. He currently has no sight in one of his eyes.
‘Fahad Dek was just twenty-three, with his whole life ahead of him.
He was described by his family as a pillar of strength and they dearly miss him.
‘That Nurcin left Fahad in the vehicle, whilst trying to evade officers, speaks volumes of his character.
‘Nurcin had plenty of opportunity to safely pull over for police.
Instead, he ignored our officers and made the incomprehensible decision to drive towards oncoming traffic, knowingly putting the public at risk.
‘I hope today’s result goes some way in easing the pain of all those affected by the utterly selfish and dangerous actions of Nurcin.’
References
- ^ Ryan Prosser (www.dailymail.co.uk)