Two men who filmed themselves driving at speeds reaching 139mph while inhaling laughing gas from balloons have been jailed after causing a devastating crash that killed a man on his way to work. The pair were recorded racing through 30mph roads, running red lights and weaving through traffic moments before the fatal collision in Manchester.

Uways Hussain, 20, of Marley Road, Manchester, has been sentenced to 11 years and eight months in prison, while Usmon Mahmood, 23, of Buller Road, Manchester, received a sentence of 12 years and nine months following their roles in the fatal crash that claimed the life of 50 year old Sylvester Abayomi earlier this year.

Greater Manchester Police said the case is believed to be one of the first in the country where a passenger has been convicted for aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving. Investigators uncovered footage showing the pair repeatedly driving at extreme speeds throughout South Manchester, often exceeding 100mph in 30mph zones and reaching more than 130mph on multiple occasions. Just seconds before the crash, vehicle data showed the Volkswagen Golf GTI was travelling at 139mph.

The vehicle belonged to Mahmood, who allowed Hussain to drive it throughout the night. Police recovered videos from mobile phones showing the pair weaving through traffic, ignoring traffic lights and showing what officers described as a complete disregard for public safety.

At one point during the evening, footage captured Mahmood inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon while sitting in the passenger seat. Additional videos showed both men appearing to inhale from balloons while travelling at extremely high speeds. Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas or simply balloons, is a substance that produces short term feelings of euphoria and dizziness when inhaled. In recent years, concerns around its growing recreational use led the UK Government to criminalise possession in many circumstances, with authorities warning about the serious risks associated with impaired judgement, blackouts and dangerous behaviour while under its influence.

The fatal collision happened at approximately 4:36am on 9 March at the junction of Green End Road and Kingsway. Sylvester Abayomi, 50, was travelling to work and entered the junction on a green light, believing it was safe to proceed. Hussain then drove through a red light at high speed before crashing into his vehicle.

Emergency services attended the scene, but despite their efforts, Mr Abayomi suffered fatal injuries and died. There was no third party involvement in the collision beyond the actions of Hussain and Mahmood.

Paying tribute, Sylvester’s partner Denise said:

“On Monday 9 March, the love of my life was taken away, he was the most caring soul and gentle person you could ever meet. He had time for everybody and was loved by everyone. Syll will be sadly missed.”

Immediately after the crash, an emergency alert was automatically triggered from Hussain’s Apple Watch after it detected the impact. During the emergency call, both men were heard discussing leaving the scene and talking about removing evidence from the vehicle. They were also recorded discussing reporting the car as stolen before booking an Uber in an attempt to escape.

Police received the first report at 4:37am and located both men within 12 minutes before arresting them.

Detective Sergeant Thomas Johnson from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit described the case as one of the worst examples of dangerous driving officers had encountered.

He said:

“This is one of the most extreme cases of dangerous driving we have encountered, and it has tragically resulted in the loss of Sylvester’s life.”

He added:

“Our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

“No sentence can ever truly compensate for the loss of a life, but the actions of Hussain and Mahmood show a complete disregard for the safety of others.”

“We hope this outcome offers some measure of justice to Sylvester’s loved ones. We urge the public to challenge dangerous driving behaviour and report concerns to police.”

The case has sparked outrage online, with many expressing anger over both the reckless driving and the use of nitrous oxide before the collision.

One person wrote,

“SMH. They need to treat laughing gas like they treat alcohol or phone texting, it should be mandatory life if a life is taken!! RIP.”

Another commented,

“If I were a judge, I would’ve given them life without parole. I hate dangerous drivers with a passion.”

A third added,

“Very heartbreaking to hear this news. Just because two fools decided to be careless.. Lock them up forever, better still, death penalty is needed.”

In recent years, nitrous oxide has become increasingly common among young people, often sold in canisters and consumed through balloons at parties, festivals and gatherings. However, growing concerns over misuse, anti social behaviour and road safety risks led to tighter restrictions across the UK, with police and health officials repeatedly warning about its dangers. Cases like this have only intensified calls for stronger enforcement and harsher penalties where lives are lost.

For Sylvester’s family, no sentence will undo the devastation caused by that night. What began as a reckless thrill seeking drive ended with a man losing his life on his way to work, leaving loved ones to deal with a loss that should never have happened.