Crime
Two learner drivers jailed for causing the death of Ella Smith, 21
- 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
Arrests made after large-scale cannabis operation raided in Pembroke Dock
POLICE in Pembroke Dock have uncovered yet another large-scale cannabis operation, as part of an ongoing clampdown on illegal farms in the area. On Monday (Nov 4), Dyfed-Powys Police executed a search warrant at a property on Dimond Street, where officers found over 500 cannabis plants in a sophisticated cultivation setup.
Two men, aged 26 and 34, have been arrested in connection with the investigation and are currently in police custody. The raid follows a series of similar operations in Pembrokeshire, targeting properties used for illegal drug cultivation.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Crime
Bin lorry driver banned after “squishing” man in road rage incident
RHYS GRIFFITHS, a former bin lorry driver, has been banned from driving after injuring a man by colliding with his car door during a road confrontation on St Issels Avenue, Haverfordwest, on 22 February 2023.
Swansea Crown Court heard from Prosecutor Harry Dickens that Griffiths, 32, accelerated towards the victim’s vehicle, stopping bumper-to-bumper. Following a brief verbal exchange, the victim turned back to his car, only to hear Griffiths rev his engine, mount the kerb, and strike the driver-side door, pinning the man against his own car. Though the victim felt pain in his thighs, he did not require medical attention, and only minor damage was reported to the car.
Griffiths left the scene without stopping, and a witness alerted the police. The victim later told officers: “There was no need for this incident at all.”
Griffiths initially pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, later changing his plea to guilty on the day of his trial. His defence lawyer, Emily Bennett, expressed Griffiths’ “deep shame” over the incident, noting he had been redeployed from his job as a bin lorry driver due to the offence.
Judge Paul Thomas KC described Griffiths’ actions as “incredibly stupid” and sentenced him to 10 months, suspended for 18 months. Griffiths must complete 100 hours of unpaid work, 25 rehabilitation days, and pay £1,200 in costs due to the lateness of his plea. Additionally, he was disqualified from driving for 12 months and must pass an extended driving test to regain his licence.
Crime
Police arrest suspects following vehicle interferences in Haverfordwest
HAVERFORDWEST police responded swiftly after reports of multiple vehicle interferences in the Tasker Way area on Sunday night/early Monday morning (Nov 4).
Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPPT) conducted extensive house-to-house enquiries, gathering evidence and reassuring the community. These efforts led to the identification of two suspects.
Both NPPT and Response teams acted promptly, locating and arresting the suspects, who are now in police custody.
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