A tragic story has unfolded as a mum lost her life and her son was left seriously injured in a devastating crash caused by a reckless driver. Jacqueline Hwila, returning to Swansea from Ireland, attempted to overtake traffic on the wrong side of the road when her Audi collided with Emma Morris’s car on the Y Felinheli bypass near Bangor. The collision caused Emma’s Peugeot 208 to flip over, leading to her almost instant death at the age of 28. Her son Jack Williams, just four years old at the time, sustained serious injuries, along with her partner James Walsh. The incident has left a deep scar on their family, with Jack’s dad Osian Williams expressing the irreplaceable loss of Jack’s mother’s love.
During the emotional court proceedings at Caernarfon Crown Court, the judge described the impact of Emma’s death on her two boys as “indescribably awful.” Hwila, 51, was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison for causing death by dangerous driving. Prosecutors revealed that Emma had been on her way to seek medical attention for Jack when the crash occurred on April 3 the previous year. Witnesses described the harrowing scene as the Audi collided with Emma’s car, leaving them and other vehicles involved in a devastating wreck.
Jack suffered severe injuries, including brain bleeds, fractures, and reduced consciousness, requiring urgent medical attention. James Walsh also sustained injuries, including a collapsed lung and a fractured hand, further highlighting the devastating consequences of Hwila’s reckless driving. The court learned that Hwila attempted the fatal overtaking manoeuvre, disregarding road markings and other vehicles in her path. She expressed remorse for her actions, citing post-traumatic stress triggered by her difficult past.
The heartfelt statements from Emma’s family painted a picture of profound grief and sorrow over their irreplaceable loss. Emma’s dad, Stephen Morris, described the pain of losing his radiant daughter, highlighting the cruel nature of her sudden departure. Julie Morris, Emma’s mother, expressed the heartbreak of witnessing her grandsons losing their beloved mother, who made every day an adventure for them. Emma’s tragic death has left a void in their lives that can never be filled, causing immeasurable pain and sorrow among her loved ones.
In the aftermath of the sentencing, Investigating Officer PC Gareth Rogers emphasised that while Hwila is behind bars, nothing can bring Emma back, and the family’s devastation remains palpable. Emma’s family voiced their frustration with the outcome of the case, believing that the sentence does not match the severity of their loss and the recklessness displayed by Hwila on the road that fateful day. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the life-altering consequences of dangerous driving and the importance of road safety for all drivers.