A Bolton man has been jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.
Mohammed Irshad (35) of Arnold Street, was also issued with a further disqualification from driving to commence when released from prison.
At around 7pm on June 22, 2024, a Mercedes that Irshad was travelling in along St Helen’s Road in Bolton, collided with a Nissan which was travelling in the opposing carriageway.
After the collision, it was confirmed that the passenger of the Nissan, Karen Kimblin (pictured), had died from her injuries.
Detective constable Aarron Cramer, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Irshad’s actions resulted in an innocent member of the public losing their life in this tragic collision. Our thoughts remain with Karen’s loved ones.
“It is believed that Irshad was using nitrous oxide when he was driving which is totally unacceptable, drink and drug driving are part of our ‘Fatal Four’ main causes of death, and this is another tragic but avoidable outcome for all involved.
“I hope this sentence also serves as a warning and a reminder of the importance of adhering to the rules of the road.”
Karen’s husband, Ken, said: “To this day, I still can’t believe that I’ll never see Karen again. We were married for 43 years and had so many plans for our future together, but all that has been cruelly ripped away.
“Karen was the greatest thing that happened to me, and she was very highly thought of by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. She was the most loving and caring woman, and a beloved mum and grandma.”
Speaking on behalf of Karen’s family, their lawyer said: “The past seven-and-a-half months have been incredibly tough for Ken and the rest of his family as they try to come to terms with losing Karen so suddenly and tragically.
“Not only has Ken understandably struggled with the death of his beloved wife, but he has also had to come to terms with his own injuries which continue to affect him physically and psychologically.
“Nothing will ever make up for what’s happened, but we hope that this incident acts as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences families can be left to face and for the need to stay safe on the roads.”
