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A driver who admitted two counts of causing death by careless driving after killing a mother and daughter in a crash on the M4 has been jailed.

Cheryl Woods, 61, of Penyrheol, and Sarha Smith, 40, from Abertridwr, were killed in a five-vehicle crash near Chippenham at around 9.10am on Friday October 20, 2023.

Firas Zeineddine, 46, of Bluebell Drive, Keynsham, near Bristol, was originally charged with death by dangerous driving, but pleaded guilty to the lesser charges. The Crown Prosecution Service accepted this and did not seek a trial.

Appearing at Swindon Crown Court on April 28, Zeineddine was jailed for 12 months.

On October 20, 2023, at around 9am, Ms Woods and daughter Ms Smith, 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 M4. He then overcorrected his steering, colliding with the front offside bumper and then the steering axel of an HGV in lane one.

The HGV then collided with and fell on the women’s vehicle, a Volkswagen T-Roc, while narrowly missing a Highways officer. The pair were sadly declared dead at the scene.

Investigating officer DC Sean Williams, from Wiltshire Police, 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.”

At the time of the crash, Wiltshire Police released the following tribute from the family of the two women:

“Cheryl Woods, cherished by those in her life, 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 wellbeing 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.”

More than £2,000 was raised for the family following the tragedy.

Bethany Smith, the eldest of Sarha’s six daughters, told Caerphilly Observer at the time she was “overwhelmed” by the generosity of the community.

“We weren’t expecting it,” she added.

Speaking about the relationship between their mother and grandmother, Bethany said: “They were inseparable. They were always together.

“They were always out shopping together, going on caravan holidays to Tenby and across Wales, or going for afternoon teas together.

“They were best friends.”