Disqualified Telford driver gets 12-years over crash that killed motorist and horse

Latvian-born Helmuts Punovskis took part part in a high-speed race with his friend Armands Ozolins, near Shifnal.

The 31-year-old, who had denied the offence, was unanimously found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving by a jury following a trial. He was also found guilty for a further offence of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

During the trial, Punovskis, of Turreff Avenue, Donnington, said that on the day of the crash he had been a passenger in his car, which was being driven by a friend, Liga Jaskova.

Witnesses say they saw a Volkswagen Passat, owned by Punovskis, and a Fiat, being driven by Mr Ozolins, racing and tailgating on the day of the tragedy in September 2012 on Stump Lane.

Mr Ozolins, 26, of Great Chatwell near Newport, suffered severe injuries before he died in hospital the next day.

A horse was also killed in the crash and the rider Wendy Garrett lost a finger and suffered serious cuts and bruises.

During sentencing at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Judge Jonathan Gosling said Punovskis had acted carelessly and selfishly, and had shown no remorse for the accident.

"The seriousness of this could not be over-stated," he said.

"Your behaviour was selfish. You could see your friend was seriously injured. In shock you briefly attended to him, then you abandoned him. You sped away from the carnage in the road.

"It had a profound effect on this young lady's life – as a mother, sports woman, professional employee and wife.

"You have shown no remorse for what you did."

Following the verdict, Mrs Garrett thanked the jury and witnesses who enabled Punovskis to be brought to justice.

Punovskis told the jury that on the day of the crash his car was being driven by a friend, Liga Jaskova.

The court heard how Jaskova, who initially admitted that she was driving the car, had since come forward to police to say she was pressured into saying so. She has pleaded guilty to one count of perverting the course of justice.

During the closing speeches on Wednesday, prosecutor Mr Hugh O'Brien Quinn said that had the two men not been driving, Mr Ozolins would still be alive and Mrs Garrett's life would not have been "devastated" by the injuries she received.

He said: "Liga Jaskova's guilty plea is evidence that a crime was committed. She lied about who was driving.

"By willingly racing, they (the defendant and Ozolins) took on the responsibly of the risks. The death and injuries were caused because of the race.

"They were the organisers and participants from beginning to tragic end and they both bear the responsibility. It is no defence to say he was winning the race and didn't collide with anything."

Mr Michael Grey, for Punovskis, told the court: "He doesn't have a bad criminal record and has been a hard worker. His loss of liberty will come as a severe blow to him."