Driver banned after Ebbw Vale motorist died in fatal collision

A Merthyr Tydfil man will be banned from driving for five years after pleading guilty to causing the death of an Ebbw Vale man in Caerphilly.

Gareth Davies, 43, died at the scene of a collision between his black Renault Clio and a white Ford Ka in Fochriw Road, Pant-y-Waun at around 5.40am on Thursday 13 April 2023.

The driver of the Ford Ka, aged 27 at the time of collision but now 30, was previously found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving in a trial at Newport Crown Court in March this year.

However, he was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday 16 May for admitting the offence of causing death by careless driving.

Sergeant Shane Draper, the senior investigating officer from the serious collision investigation unit, said:

"This is a tragic case that has resulted in the needless loss of a life; I would like to thank all those who assisted in our investigation and offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Gareth Davies.

“The driver of the Ford Ka did not drive to the required competent and careful driving standard and his poor decision-making to overtake at an inappropriate location has led to devastating consequences.

"The importance of driving carefully at all times is never more poignant than in this case because careless driving ruins lives.

“This is a reminder to everyone who gets behind the wheel – your responsibility isn’t just to ensure your own safety, but the safety of everyone around you."

The man received a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and he will be required to carry out 250 hours of unpaid community work.

He will also be disqualified from driving for five years and will need to take an extended test when reapplying for his licence.