‘Reckless’ M4 driver jailed after causing deaths of mum and daughter

A man has been jailed after his “reckless” speeding during a storm led to the deaths of a mother and daughter.

Cheryl Woods, 61, and Sarha Smith, 40, of Caerphilly, stopped on the hard shoulder of the M4 in Wiltshire following a minor collision with a highways vehicle on 20 October 2023. Moments later, Firas Zeineddine crashed into a HGV while driving at speeds of more than 90mph.

The lorry then fell on top of Ms Woods and Ms Smith’s car. The two women were declared dead at the scene.

Zeineddine, 46, of Bluebell Drive, Keynsham, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Monday after pleading guilty to two counts of death by careless driving, and was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Storm Babet brought heavy rain and strong wind when it hit the UK in October 2023.

Ms Woods and Ms Smith were on the hard shoulder following a minor crash with a National Highways vehicle on the M4 eastbound near junction 14 for Chippenham.

Zeineddine, who was driving a Tesla Model Y, aquaplaned while speeding in the outside lane and then overcorrected his steering, colliding with a HGV in lane one.

The lorry narrowly missed a highways officer, but hit Ms Woods and Ms Smith’s Volkswagen T-Roc.

Det Con Sean Williams, from Wiltshire Police’s serious collision investigation team, said Zeineddine’s speeding in adverse weather conditions was “completely reckless”.

“I’m pleased he has pleaded guilty which has prevented the victims’ family from having to relive the details through a trial,” Det Con Williams said.

“Cheryl and Sarha’s deaths sadly provide a clear illustration of why it is vital to drive to the conditions, no matter where you are.

“Any mistake or unforeseen incident, particularly at the speeds Zeineddine was driving, can have fatal consequences.”

Ms Woods and Ms Smith’s family previously issued a statement saying Ms Woods was “cherished by those in her life, and fulfilled the roles of a loving mother, doting grandmother, cherished sister, and a dear friend”.

“Her selflessness was a defining trait, consistently prioritising her family’s well-being over her own, and she took immense pride in her Welsh heritage while nurturing a deep love for nature.

“Sarha Smith, in the footsteps of her mother, unselfishly devoted herself to her family’s needs ahead of her own.

“She was not only a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, but her absence leaves a void for those who relied on her radiant presence,” they said.