Llanfyllin driver jailed over high-speed crash

A Mid Wales driver who left his two friends with life-changing injuries after a high speed car crash has been jailed for 16 months.

Daniel Thomas, of Llanfyllin, who admitted dangerous driving, was told that he could easily have killed his passengers. At Mold Crown Court yesterday he was also banned from driving for three years.

He must also take an extended driving test.

The court heard that his passengers shouted at him to slow down after one saw the speedometer of the BMW M3 read 150 mph on the B4393 at Llanfechain, near Llanfyllin, on October 17 last year.

The car was "literally demolished" in the crash.

Thomas, of West View, Bwlch y Cibyn, was told by Judge Niclas Parry he had caused life-changing injuries to his two trusting friends, Matthew Gordon and Dale Williams.

Devastated

He had devastated the life of his friend, Mr Gordon, who had been a fit, active and industrious young man but was now paralysed and confined to a wheelchair.

Mr Williams had now lost his job and could not maintain his family.

The judge said: "It speaks volumes for the humanity that he feels that it is not his wish that you should go into custody.

"It is only by the grace of God that you are not before me on two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

"This is a personal tragedy for you - you only have to look to your right and to your left to realise what you have done," he said, referring to both injured victims who were in court.

Ben Kelly, defending, said the defendant was driving a car that was far too powerful for him.

He could remember nothing of what had happened.

Andrew Green, prosecuting, told how Mr Gordon had recently bought a BMW M3 and all three were socialising at The Cross Keys pub, before Thomas asked to test drive the BMW.

Mr Gordon agreed and got into the back seat, Mr Williams was in the front passenger seat, but both became concerned at his high speed.

Mr Gordon described his life before the accident as "perfect".

Mr Williams broke his leg, his knee cap was replaced with a metal one and he suffered facial injuries.

By Andrew Morris