20 July 2023 , 09:47
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The partner of the former Hollyoaks actress fatally struck on a motorway has spoken out following her killer being jailed.
Adil Iqbal was charged with killing Frankie Julia Hough, who was 18 weeks pregnant with her third child, and causing serious injury to her nine-year-old son Thomas.
Frankie was transported to hospital via air after the crash in May on the M66 near Bury, Greater Manchester, but died in hospital two days later.
Iqbal pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and two offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was handed a 12 year sentence in court on Wednesday.
Calvin Buckley, Frankie's partner, said in court: "My past, present and future has been crushed and taken from me.
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The late Hollyoaks actress was pregnant with her third child at the time of her death (MEN Media)
Her killer was driving over 120mph when he fatally crashed into her (Greater Manchester Police)"And for what? An adrenaline rush, an ego boost, a false sense of worth, and selfish gratification with no regards for the safety of others. An unnecessarily dangerous risk taking mentality that needs to change. For what? Was it worth it? The answer is no, it is not. I want this tragedy to have a positive impact and deter others from reckless driving."
Frankie, who starred on Hollyoaks as Jess Holt between 2000 and 2001, travelling with her two sons, Tommy and Rocky, two, and nephew Tobias Welby, four, when she stopped on the hard-shoulder with a tyre puncture to take a call prior to the tragedy. Iqbal was driving a BMW at 123mph when he undertook a motorbike then swerved, over compensated and hit a crash barrier before spinning around and ploughing into Frankie’s Skoda Fabia at an estimated 92mph.
The late actress, who also appeared in shows like Wire in the Blood and Heartbeat, was described as "hero" by her father in court. "When you received a smile from Frankie, it warmed your heart and made you feel safe," the emotional father said.
Frankie's family paid tribute to the doting mum in court (PA)He added: "I spent over two days without sleep, holding Frankie's hand and begging her to come back, all the time knowing that this wasn't going to happen. Frankie passed with the love of her whole family surrounding her in her bed. I promised Frankie that I would always protect her, and on that day, someone else broke my promise. I don't think I can ever forgive him for that, but I know I will never truly forgive myself.
"Even though rationally I know I couldn't have prevented what happened, it will never feel that way to me. I am trapped in a very long tunnel, and I can't see any light at the end."
Passing sentence, Judge Maurice Greene told Iqbal on Wednesday: "She was killed as a result of the most indescribable reckless driving by you Adil Iqbal, leading to the devastation of a family."
Following the sentencing, a lawyer representing Frankie's mother and nephew Tobias Welby 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."
Iqbal has been jailed for 12 years (MEN MEDIA)Rose Gibson-Harper, catastrophic injury partner at law firm Lime Solicitors, continued: "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."
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