Humaira Batool, 26, from Bradford, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing the death of her friend, Mohammed Shaan Hussain, 20, in a high-speed crash on the M62 in West Yorkshire in December 2022. Batool lost control of a rented Lamborghini Urus, valued at £200,000, while driving at speeds of up to 140mph in wet conditions. The vehicle crashed into a motorway barrier and burst into flames.
Excessive Speed and Dangerous Driving
During the trial, the court heard that Batool had been driving at 'eye-watering extreme speeds on a damp motorway in darkness,' according to Judge Ray Singh. The judge emphasized that this was not a momentary lapse but a conscious decision to drive at extraordinary speed, exposing her passenger and other road users to grave risk. The crash occurred within eight seconds of Batool taking the wheel from Hussain, who had rented the vehicle.
The pair had been traveling to HMP Leeds to collect a friend when they switched places. In court, Batool attempted to shift blame to Hussain, claiming he had reached over and tampered with the controls, but the jury rejected this and other explanations, including mechanical failure and aquaplaning. The judge concluded that the sole cause of the collision was Batool's manner of driving.
Tragic Consequences and Legal Outcome
Hussain died from injuries sustained in the crash, while Batool suffered serious injuries, including burns to about 10% of her body and a shattered tibia. She was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving in September. Batool was sentenced to 10 years in prison, disqualified from driving for 10 years, and must pass an extended driving test.
In a victim impact statement, Hussain's mother, Nasreen Akhtar, described him as a beloved son and cherished brother, a loyal friend and light in their lives. She expressed the unbearable pain of mourning while hearing attempts to tarnish his character. His brother, Mohammed Souhail Hussain, said Shaan was their older brother and always will be.
Det Insp Paul Conroy stressed the responsibility of controlling a powerful machine, noting that Batool's driving put herself and others at risk, resulting in tragedy. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of dangerous driving.
