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Man, 22, accused of killing pregnant mother-of-two in motorway crash

Frankie Jules-Hough, 38, who was 18 weeks pregnant with a daughter died after the crash in Bury

Pat Hurst
Tuesday 16 May 2023 08:01 BST
Frankie Jules-Hough, 38, was critically injured along with her son Tommy, nine, and Tobias Spencer, four
Frankie Jules-Hough, 38, was critically injured along with her son Tommy, nine, and Tobias Spencer, four (PA )

A man has appeared in court accused of killing a pregnant mother-of-two who died after a motorway crash that also left her son and nephew badly hurt.

Frankie Jules-Hough, 38, was critically injured along with her son Tommy, nine, and Tobias Spencer, four, who is believed to be her nephew, at about 3.10pm on Saturday on the M66 in Bury, Greater Manchester.

Ms Jules-Hough’s other son, Rocky, two, was also hurt.

Adil Iqbal, 22, from Accrington, Lancashire, who was allegedly driving a BMW, was arrested at the scene and initially charged with three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

When Iqbal appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday, lawyers confirmed Ms Jules-Hough had died.

Iqbal, who works in a boxing gym, has now been charged with causing the death by dangerous driving of Ms Jules-Hough, along with the two other charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, relating to the two boys.

At the brief court hearing, Robin Lynch, prosecuting, gave details of the incident, saying Ms Jules-Hough was driving a car carrying three children.

He added: “The driver is now deceased.”

Iqbal, wearing a grey tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his name and address, and looked over to his father, uncle and younger brother sat in the public gallery of the court.

District Judge James Hatton refused an application for bail and Iqbal was remanded into custody to appear at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester on June 19.

A GoFundMe appeal for the family of Ms Jules-Hough set up by a friend said she was 18 weeks pregnant and expecting a daughter.

The appeal said Tommy and Tobias are in induced comas in intensive care in hospital.

It added: “This is absolutely devastating for the family and their whole world has been truly turned upside down.”

The appeal has already raised more than £18,000.

Friends of Ms Jules-Hough paid tribute to her on Facebook.

Sherrie Jean-Louise said: “There are no words for how I feel right now.

Life can be horribly cruel – a beautiful soul, friend, sister, daughter, Mamma & Mamma-to-be taken way too soon and in the most tragic way! I’m heartbroken and filled with so many ‘ifs and buts’.”

Rebecca Adimora wrote: “I can’t believe this.

“Franki you will be sorely missed by so many. We love you infinitely earth angel, fly high, this realm may just not have been destined for your loving soul and your unborn angel, you will shine beyond this my love.”

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