I was reading the BBC news article about two guys who went to prison for causing death by dangerous driving. It confused me, how did the passenger get prison time? He wasn’t driving!
Answer
You are referring to the case of Uways Hussain (driver) and Usmon Mahmood (passenger) who filmed themselves driving at 130mph whilst inhaling nitrous oxide. Sadly, they hit another car and killed the driver.
I must admit this case surprised me too as it is not very often you see aiding/abetting types of prosecutions for this. Usmon got prison time for aiding and abetting dangerous driving. He was actually the owner of the car and had let his friend drive. He was also filmed encouraging the poor driving and inhaling nitrous oxide, and after the collision was recorded calling an Uber and suggesting they report the car stolen.
Aiding and abetting is a common law offence but there also exists Statutory laws such as the serious Crime Act 2007.
This could be relevant for us bikers if you are caught up in a group ride and something goes wrong. You don’t need to necessarily be the rider who did the wrong, you can get caught up in aiding and abetting different types of offending i.e. dangerous driving, especially where there is racing or something more serious happens i.e. someone gets hurt.
Another case involving Henry Reynolds should be a lesson on vehicle maintenance and letting a friend drive/ride your bike! Henry’s car had two almost bald tyres. They were an advisory on an MOT. 6 or 7,000 miles later (on the same tyres) his friend had borrowed his car and lost control in the wet, killing another driver. Henry Reynolds found himself in court for aiding and abetting the death by dangerous driving and received 2.5 years in prison. The lesson? Keep your machines in tip top condition and don’t drive/ride like a dick.
Gavin Grewal
Fast Bikes – August 2026
