A mother whose son was killed by an unlicensed driver caught on camera drinking cider while behind the wheel has implored the public to report illegal drivers.
18-year-old Dafydd Hughes died after his intoxicated and drugged friend slammed head-on into a parked Ford Focus while driving on the incorrect side of the road.
The mother of Dafydd stated that she could not forgive Ricky Davies, who received an eight-year prison sentence.
Davies, who pleaded guilty to six offenses, including causing death by reckless driving, was on a weekend drug and alcohol binge when he knocked on Dafydd's door in Caerphilly county.
Emma, a 35-year-old mother of six, stated that Dafydd, like most young boys, believed he was invincible and made the incorrect decision by getting in the car that morning.
Emma reported that Davies had been out with Dafydd's father the day prior and had actually called him.
Dafydd, who resided with his father and grandparents, opted to leave when his father refused. Emma stated, "He was his own person and he was going out with his companions." No one in Dafydd's group of companions was wearing a seatbelt.
His mother admits that Dafydd never wore a seatbelt. If Dafydd had worn his seatbelt, he might have survived.
If you suspect that someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, contact the police.
Dafydd, who had turned eighteen weeks earlier, was one of the 220 persons killed annually by drunk drivers on British roads.
Emma stated that Dafydd's demise had affected the Abertysswg community, where he was a well-liked young man. Dafydd was a rear-seat passenger when his vehicle veered onto the incorrect side of the road on a curve.
In May of 2022, the vehicle collided head-on with another automobile in Shirenewton, Monmouthshire.
Dafydd sustained fatal head injuries and was pronounced dead at the site after being propelled forward during the collision.
Investigations uncovered Snapchat footage of driver Davies consuming a can of cider while behind the wheel, captured hours before the collision.
The court also heard that Davies had smoked cannabis.
Before driving Dafydd and three other companions to a dog show in Usk, Davies had spent the previous three days drinking heavily and using drugs.
He was also driving without a license or insurance.
After pleading guilty to causing death by reckless driving, causing serious injury by reckless driving, reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, and driving without insurance or a license, he received an eight-year prison sentence.
Sgt. Bob Witherall of the Gwent Police stated, "I have never seen footage of that nature, with the individuals filming themselves in the car." "He will serve his sentence in prison and then leave. However, his actions ultimately led to the demise of his friend."
Emma wishes Dafydd had remained at her home in Phillipstown, a short distance from Aberystwyth in the Rhymney Valley.
She believes that her eldest son could still be with her if he had remained. Jackson, who was born earlier this year, will never meet the avid angler.
