Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Crime

Two learner drivers jailed for causing the death of Ella Smith, 21

Published

on

  • Family speaks out after Jago Clarke and Emma Price are sentenced for death by dangerous driving

TWO learner drivers have been jailed for 10 years after their ‘stupidity and arrogance’ caused the death of a ‘beautiful and kind’ carer.

Ella Smith’s family spoke out in court to explain the devastation and lasting impact the actions of Jago

Clarke and Emma Price had on their lives, as the pair were sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The court had heard how Clarke was driving Ella’s car on June 13, 2021, when he crashed into an oncoming vehicle. An investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police was able to prove he was driving competitively with Emma Price as they made their way home from Broadhaven Beach.

Tragically, Ella died at the scene of the crash, which her dad Adrian attended as an on duty fire fighter – an experience he said ‘haunts’ him.

Describing his daughter as having ‘a beautiful smile, infectious giggle and a pure heart’, Adrian spoke in court about the ‘enormous pain’ he feels having lost her.

“Ella was 21, she had her life ahead of her and has lost so much,” he said.

“She will never have the chance to get married, I will never be able to walk her down the aisle, she will never get the chance to look amazing in her wedding dress. Ella will never become a mum and I will never be a grandfather to Ella’s children.”

“I miss and yearn for Ella every day, for a cuddle, for a chat, for a random conversation,” he added. “The closest I get now is a conversation each morning and each evening with her ashes, where we discuss my day and I tell her I love her, give her photograph a kiss and tell her she is the brightest star in the sky.”

The court heard how 21-year-olds Clarke and Price were seen swerving their vehicles and driving dangerously after leaving the beach. Ella had not spent the day with the group, but had gone to Broad Haven that evening when Clarke asked her for a lift. Her devastated family do not know why he was driving her car when he careered into another vehicle.

The collision also caused serious injuries to the passenger in the other car. Daisy Buck – she will also be reading out a VPS in court.

The blue Citroen being driven by Price was not physically involved in the collision, however a lengthy investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police proved the manner of her driving was sufficient to be charged with causing Ella’s death.

Sergeant Sara John, of the force’s Serious Collision Unit, said: “This has been an extremely complex and investigation from the outset, which required us to obtain telematics data from manufacturers in Italy.

This line of enquiry was time consuming but crucial in proving that both Clarke and Price were driving competitively, and ultimately driving dangerously at the point of impact.

This case is yet again another example of the tragedy inflicted on families by the sheer arrogance and stupidity of dangerous drivers. Both Clarke and Price displayed a flagrant disregard for the safety of other road users that day, a decision which cost Ella her life and destroyed the lives of her family. The collision also resulted in Daisy Buck sustaining serious injuries which will impact her for the rest of her life.”

Both Clarke, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, Milford Haven, and Price, of Holloway, Haverfordwest, were found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving following a trial at Swansea Crown Court. Price was also found guilty of causing death by driving while unlicensed and uninsured.

Today, they were sentenced to 10 years in prison, with a six year driving ban.

Before the sentence was imposed, Ella’s mum Maria Smith spoke directly to the defendants, saying: “You knew little of Ella, but you knew you could manipulate and take advantage of my daughter who was kind, considerate and helpful.

“Ella was with you both for approximately 10 minutes of her 21 years of life, and your actions, your stupidity and arrogance have killed her.

“You have robbed us of our darling girl and her future, robbed her of happiness and altered our lives in a way we will never recover from.”

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

on

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Continue Reading

Crime

Court hears man exposed his flaccid manhood ‘by accident’

Published

on

A 21-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has appeared before magistrates charged with intentionally exposing his genitals in a public place.

Thomas Jones is accused of carrying out the act at a property in New Moat, Clarbeston Road, on November 9, 2022.

“The defendant knocked on the door of a female and offered his gardening services,” Crown prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“She accepted his offer and moved her car so that he could move his van, but when she turned around, she could see his flaccid penis was outside his trousers. When she pointed this out to him, he said he didn’t know that it was exposed.”

Jones denies the charge. He was released on unconditional bail to await his trial at Haverfordwest magistrates court on January 6.

Continue Reading

Crime

Regular cocaine user from Milford Haven taken off the road

Published

on

A MILFORD HAVEN resident who admits to being a regular cocaine user has lost his driving licence after being found behind the wheel when he was 15 times over the legal Benzoylecgonine limit.

Teifion Morse, 41, was stopped by officers just before midnight on May 1 following reports that he was driving his Vauxhall Insignia along the A477 at excessive speeds.

“The vehicle was travelling westwards towards Kilgetty, and Teifion Morse was the driver and the sole occupant, “ Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

A roadside drugs wipe proved positive while further blood tests carried out at the police custody suite showed that Morse had 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system (the legal limit is 50), and 20 mcg of cocaine. The legal limit is 10.

Ms James said that when Morse was spoken to by officers, he told them that he knew the readings would be positive. “I’ve done stupid amounts today,” he said.

Morse, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two charges of drug driving. A probation report stated that since leaving the military five and a half years ago, Morse has suffered from mental health issues.

He’s been using cocaine as a coping mechanism,” said the probation officer. “He freely admits that he uses cocaine to help him cope, but it’s spiralled and is getting more and more out of control. He would like support to kick this habit.”

Morse chose to be legally unrepresented when he appeared before magistrates.

“It was my stupid fault and I’m trying to take the correct steps to get on the right path,” he said in mitigation.

Morse was sentenced to an 18-month community order during which he must carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months and must pay a £140 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Continue Reading

Crime19 hours ago

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility. Papaipit...

Business2 days ago

Specsavers relocates to landmark new store following £1.2 million investment

HAVERFORDWEST will celebrate the opening of Wales’ largest Specsavers store on Monday 16 December 2024, following a transformative £1.2 million...

News2 days ago

Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash

THE FAMILY of Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old woman from Pontarddulais who tragically lost her life following a collision, have paid...

News2 days ago

Teachers were ‘absolutely horrible’ to a girl who died after cyber-bullying

A 14-YEAR-OLD girl who died following a harrowing cyberbullying campaign was “let down at every possible opportunity” by her school,...

Health2 days ago

NHS staff at risk during pandemic due to PPE issues, Covid Inquiry hears

NHS staff in Wales may have put their health at risk during the Covid-19 pandemic by treating patients without adequate...

News4 days ago

Snow falls in Wales: School closures, road blockages, and weather warnings

THE FIRST significant snowfall of the year has fallen across Wales, with snow covering parts of north-east Wales overnight. The...

News5 days ago

Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death

MEGAN EVANS, 14, was found dead at her Milford Haven home on February 7, 2017, after what her family described...

Business5 days ago

Milford Haven Port Authority in Burry Port Harbour takeover talks

MILFORD Haven Port Authority is in the frame to take over the running of Carmarthenshire’s only harbour. The Trust Port...

Farming7 days ago

Farmers fight back: Inheritance tax row at Welsh Labour conference

THE Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno, Conwy, on Saturday (Nov 16) became the backdrop for a large and impassioned protest...

News7 days ago

Four shouts in busy period for Angle RNLI

AT 10:32am on Friday, November 15, Angle RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was launched following a Pan Pan call from an 18ft...

Popular This Week