Manchester crash: Killer driver who filmed himself at 98mph is jailed

Rohail Jillani had "utter disregard" for his passengers

A driver who inhaled laughing gas and filmed himself driving at almost 100mph moments before killing a 17-year-old passenger in a crash has been jailed.

Nadia Yusuf, 17, died after the Mercedes that Rohail Jillani, 25, was driving hit a bridge on Mancunian Way, Manchester, in January 2022.

Another passenger, an 18-year-old man, received life-changing injuries.

Jillani admitted causing death by dangerous driving and was jailed for eight years and eight months.

He also pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Manchester Crown Court.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it was called to the crash at about 23:45 GMT on 10 January 2022.

Jillani, of Campbell Road, had been driving his Mercedes A180 along Mancunian Way with Nadia in the front seat and another passenger in the back.

Witnesses described Jillani using nitrous oxide "balloons" and recording the journey on Snapchat as he sped along the carriageway, undertaking vehicles and reaching speeds of 98mph, GMP said.

As Jillani approached a bend, he lost control of the vehicle and struck a safety barrier before spinning and ploughing into the railway bridge at the junction of Temperance Street, police said.

Nadia was taken to hospital but died from her injuries.

Nadia Yusuf's family say they will miss her forever

Det Con Oliver Batty said: "Jillani's actions were reckless and dangerous and have ultimately resulted in a young woman losing her life."

He said the sentence reflects the "utter disregard" that Jillani had for his passengers and the rules of the road.

"Jillani chose, through his own volition, to use nitrous oxide, drive at excessive speeds and film himself in the moments that preceded this fatal collision. I hope the sentence today brings some closure to Nadia's family."

'Reckless actions'

Nadia's family released a tribute after the sentencing: "Our family is here today to honour Nadia, her life and her legacy.

"She was an amazing student and community member, and had a passion for helping people.

"She was studying health and social care and was working to become a paediatrician.

"With her passion and determination, there was no doubt she was well on her way to achieving any goal that she put her mind to."

They said: "Unfortunately, at the age of 17, she was taken from us by Rohail's reckless actions that could have been prevented and that has left a hole in our family that can never be repaired.

"Although no amount of time behind bars will bring Nadia back or be enough, we have hope that the justice system will prevail and kickstart our healing process.

"We will miss beautiful Nadia forever," they added.

Jillani was also disqualified from driving for nine years and ten weeks.

Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to [e-mail]