STORY
Adam Ali, a 20-year-old from Manchester, has had his sentence increased to six years and four months following a fatal car crash that resulted in the death of 16-year-old passenger Ben Burbridge and serious injuries to another teenager. The Court of Appeal’s decision came after Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP referred the original sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.
On 15 October 2022, Ali was driving at over 60mph in a 30mph residential zone during wet conditions. He lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a lamp post. Ben Burbridge suffered catastrophic brain injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, 17-year-old Justin Saidi, sustained multiple injuries, including a collapsed lung and fractured ribs.
At the time of the incident, Ali had recently passed his driving test and was awaiting a speed awareness course following previous speeding offences. While awaiting trial for the fatal crash, he was caught speeding twice more and was involved in another accident while banned from driving, during which he was inhaling nitrous oxide at the wheel.
Initially sentenced to four years’ detention on 27 January 2025 for causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving, Ali’s sentence was increased by the Court of Appeal on 15 April 2025. Solicitor General Lucy Rigby stated:
“Ben Burbridge was only 16 years old when he died and he had his whole future ahead of him. His life was tragically cut short by Adam Ali’s dangerous driving. I welcome the court’s decision to increase Ali’s sentence following my referral. This government is committed to ensuring those who drive dangerously are punished appropriately.”