Update on M606 triple death crash driver's sentence challenge

The Attorney General’s Office has considered the case of Jack Simpson, 16, after a challenge made through a scheme for sentences that could be too lenient.

But after considering the matter, the AGO has determined that his sentence is not “unduly lenient” so will not be sent to the Court of Appeal which could have led to his period of detention being increased.

Sohail Ali and Simon McHugh

Simpson, from the Allerton area, was driving a stolen van on false plates, speeding the wrong way down the M606 when it smashed into a taxi.

He pleaded guilty to three charges of causing death by dangerous driving and one charge of dangerous driving in relation to an incident on June 13.

His victims were taxi driver Sohail Ali, 28, and his passenger Simon McHugh, 49, who were pronounced dead at the scene. Kyden Leadbeater, 18, who was a passenger in a van, died in hospital a day later.

But Simpson’s sentence, six years’ detention and out on licence after serving half that period, prompted anger from the victim’s families.

Bradford Crown Court heard Simpson accelerated away from police and blue lights and sirens were activated. He drove through a red light at roadworks and the wrong way round roundabouts.

Jack Simpson. Picture: West Yorkshire Police

Film footage was shown in court of the fleeing blue van doing up to 90mph with the police in pursuit, and of the collision scene.

Simpson was taken to hospital with a fractured leg and other serious injuries.

Judge Richard Mansell QC said the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving was 14 years. New guidelines had raised it to life imprisonment just days after the crash.

Simpson’s was one of three Bradford cases in recent weeks to be challenged under the unduly lenient sentence scheme.

It allows victims, members of the public and prosecutors to ask for sentences the scheme covers to be reviewed within 28 days of the court date.

The Attorney General’s Office considers the case and decides whether to refer the case to the Court of Appeal for a hearing if it appears “unduly lenient”.

Police released dashcam footage of the Ford van on the wrong side of the road. Picture: West Yorkshire Police

Top judges could then rule that the sentence is unreasonably low and may increase it.

A hearing is due to take place at the Court of Appeal over Sheryar Khan who was jailed for murdering Kian Tordoff in a “ferocious” knife attack in Bradford city centre.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk, contact us here, WhatsApp us on 07720403052 or call us on 01274 705292.