The driver who killed two and injured four in the wrong-way hit on the M25 has been jailed

Enfield man in car with ‘reckless’ driver as he tried to elude police among those killed

A “selfish and reckless” man who drove a stolen van the wrong way on the M25 has been jailed for causing the deaths of two people and seriously injuring four others.

Barancan Nurcin, 22, of High Road in Tottenham, appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Friday (21), where he was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

It is the longest sentence ever given for death by dangerous driving.

On Tuesday 26 March, Nurcin pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, two counts of causing death without a license and two counts of causing death while uninsured.

At the time of the incident, Nurcin was serving a 15-month suspended prison sentence in connection with an attack that took place in London. The sentence has now been activated. He was also on bail for a public order offence, which also happened in London, and was given a five-month sentence to run concurrently.

The M25 collision happened on Sunday 4 February between junctions 22 (London Colney) and 21A (North Orbital Road/St Albans). Zoe Hawes, 39, from Essex, and Fahad Dek, 23, from Enfield, both lost their lives.

Zoe traveled to Luton Airport to go on holiday for her 40th birthday^th birthday while Fahad had been a passenger in Nurcin’s vehicle.

Four other people were also seriously injured, including Zoe’s husband.

At around 3.40am, police were alerted to an ANPR activation on the M1. The vehicle, a white Citroen Dispatch van, had been stolen from the Greater Manchester area. Officers from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire were sent to search for the van and at 3.53am it was located at junction 6a of the M1 southbound. The van did not stop and a police pursuit was authorized.

A few minutes later, the van dangerously took an emergency access road off the main road. He then turned onto another road, heading back onto the freeway – this time heading into oncoming traffic. As a result, the pursuit was discontinued for public safety.

The van was then spotted by officers in Breakspear Way, Hemel Hempstead, where it again failed to stop for officers.

A short time later the van was spotted by police traveling on the wrong side of the M25. Officers followed him along the correct side of the road.

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At around 4.08am the van collided with a silver DFSK 580 Glory. Zoe Hawes was a passenger in this vehicle and sadly died at the scene. Her husband suffered broken bones all over his body, severe facial injuries and bleeding on the brain. He was placed in a medically induced coma. He suffered memory loss from the sedatives he was given and this meant he was told repeatedly that his beloved wife had died.

Two other vehicles – a silver Skoda Superb and a black Peugeot 5008 – collided with debris.

There was another couple in the Peugeot, also on their way to vacation. The couple were being driven by their friend to Heathrow Airport, where they were due to fly out to celebrate their 30th birthday.^th wedding anniversary. All three suffered injuries from which they have not yet recovered.

The Skoda contained two occupants and both suffered bruises and other injuries.

Nurcin left the scene, leaving behind his friend Fahad Dek, who was dead in the passenger seat. The police found Nurcin nearby and he was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. He was then arrested at the hospital before being taken into custody.

It was quickly revealed that his driver’s license had already been revoked and he was not authorized to drive any vehicle.

Nurcin’s driver’s license was revoked in 2021 when he was caught driving under the influence of cannabis. He was eligible to reapply for his license the following year, however the DVLA was notified of a health issue related to heavy cannabis use.

Chief Inspector Steve O’Keeffe said: “While nothing can make up for the pain Nurcin has caused, I am pleased with today’s outcome. Nurcin’s actions had catastrophic consequences causing the death of two innocent people. Many other lives were also destroyed due to the trauma and heartache it caused. The impact of this horrific collision cannot be overstated and my thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims.

“Zoe Hawes was a much loved mother and grandmother whose life was cruelly cut short by Nurcin. Zoe’s husband will need intensive care for a long time to help with physical movement, communication and cognitive skills. He currently has no sight in one eye.

“Fahad Dek was only twenty-three years old with his whole life ahead of him. He was described by his family as a pillar of strength and is greatly missed.

“That Nurcin left Fahad in the vehicle while he was trying to evade the officers speaks volumes for his character.

“Nurcin had many chances to stop safely for the police. Instead, he ignored our officers and made the incomprehensible decision to drive into oncoming traffic, putting the public at risk.

“I hope today’s outcome will go some way to easing the pain of all those affected by Nurcin’s extremely selfish and dangerous actions.”

The circumstances leading up to the collision are being investigated by the Independent Police Conduct Office, which is routine in such matters.

The criminal investigation was led by Essex Police.

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