‘My past, present and future has been crushed’ – Frankie Jules-Hough’s partner reveals
Moment killer driver Adil Iqbal films himself weaving between motorway traffic at 123mph seconds before killing pregnant Hollyoaks star Frankie Jules-Hough and putting her son in a coma
The distraught family of a former Hollyoaks actress who was fatally struck on a motorway while 17 weeks pregnant have today shared their heartbreak as her killer was jailed for just 12 years.
Frankie Jules-Hough, 38, had pulled over on the hard shoulder with a tyre puncture, with her two sons and nephew in the vehicle, when her car was struck by Adil Iqbal, 22, at 92mph.
Iqbal was driving with one hand and holding his phone with the other as he filmed himself weaving through motorway traffic at speeds of up to 123mph on the M66 in Bury, Greater Manchester, on May 13.
Ms Jules-Hough, who was 17 weeks pregnant with her first daughter, Neeve, suffered fatal brain injuries. She and her unborn daughter died two days later in hospital surrounded by her family, having not regained consciousness.
Her partner, Calvin Buckley, said in court: ‘My past, present and future has been crushed and taken from me.
‘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.’
A lawyer representing her family has condemned Iqbal’s sentence – which could have received a maximum of life imprisonment – saying it is too lenient.
In an emotional statement in court, Ms Jules-Hough’s father described his eldest daughter as being his ‘hero’. ‘When you received a smile from Frankie, it warmed your heart and made you feel safe,’ he said.
‘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.’ He added: ‘I am trapped in a very long tunnel, and I can’t see any light at the end.’
Mr Hough said on the day of the crash, he was at a supercar day with his partner. He said: ‘This is how reasonable, thoughtful and caring people get their thrills driving fast cars, in a safe and controlled environment, not putting countless lives at risk on the motorways.