A SOMERSET man whose speeding on the M4 during Storm Babet led to the deaths of a mother and her daughter has been jailed.

Firas Zeineddine, of Bluebell Drive, Keynsham, appeared at Swindon Crown Court today (April 28) after pleading guilty to two counts of death by careless driving.

The 46-year-old was sentenced to 12 months behind bars, and disqualified from driving for 18 months.

At around 9am on October 20, 2023, Cheryl Woods, 61, and Sarha Smith, 40, of Caerphilly, were stopped on the hard shoulder of the M4 eastbound near junction 17 for Chippenham with a vehicle from National Highways following a minor collision.

Shortly after, Zeineddine, who was driving a Tesla Model Y, aquaplaned while speeding at more than 90mph in the outside lane of the motorway.

He overcorrected his steering, colliding with the front offside bumper and then the steering axel of an HGV in lane 1.

The HGV then collided with and fell on Cheryl and Sarha’s vehicle, a Volkswagen T-Roc, while narrowly missing a Highways officer.

Cheryl and Sarha were sadly declared dead at the scene.

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Investigating officer DC Sean Williams, from the Wiltshire Police Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: “This is an utterly tragic and needless incident which has seen two women lose their lives.

“Zeineddine’s speeding in the conditions was completely reckless and he admitted having impaired vision due to the amount of mist and spray that was coming off the road.

“Despite this, data from his Tesla showed his speed was in excess of 90mph. Once his vehicle started to aquaplane in the standing water, due to the speed he was driving, he lost complete control.

“I’m pleased he has pleaded guilty which has prevented the victims’ family from having to relive the details through a trial.

“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.”

Cheryl Woods and Sarha Smith tragically died after the incident on the M4

After the crash, Cheryl and Sarha’s family paid tribute to the pair.

“Cheryl Woods, cherished by those in her life, fulfilled the roles of a loving mother, doting grandmother, cherished sister, and a dear friend,” they said.

“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.

“Her legacy lives on through her six daughters, who will forever hold her memory close and strive to honour her with their efforts.”