**Two Pedestrians Injured in Hit-and-Run Incident in Wales**
In a shocking hit-and-run incident, two pedestrians were struck by a reckless driver who mounted the pavement before fleeing the scene. The incident took place on Sunday, March 17, 2024, on Merthyr Road in Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil, leaving both victims with serious injuries.
The driver, identified as Lewis Morris, was behind the wheel of a grey Audi A3 when he veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit the pedestrians, causing them to be “flung into the air”. The impact of the collision resulted in one victim suffering from a bleed on both lungs and a broken leg, amplifying the severity of the situation.
The South Wales Police were promptly notified by a vigilant member of the public who witnessed the harrowing incident. Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement discovered a wing mirror cover and a detached mirror with an Audi logo, a stark reminder of the violent collision that had taken place.
Extensive CCTV searches were conducted, revealing footage of the Audi with a shattered front windscreen driving erratically in Merthyr town centre. Subsequently, Lewis Morris, aged 27 from Treharris, was linked to the vehicle, leading to swift progress in the investigation.
Further CCTV footage captured the distressing moment when both victims were thrown into the air upon impact. The Audi involved in the incident was later found parked in a forecourt in Merthyr Tydfil, displaying significant damage, including a smashed windscreen and a damaged driver’s side wing mirror.
Lewis Morris appeared before the Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Monday, February 24, where he admitted guilt to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. As a consequence, he received a sentence of three years and four months in prison and was banned from driving for three years, underscoring the gravity of his actions.
Moreover, Rebecca Sutton, a 32-year-old from Merthyr Tydfil, also faced legal repercussions after pleading guilty to perverting the course of public justice. She was handed a six-month prison sentence for her involvement in attempting to obstruct the investigation, shedding light on the consequences of tampering with legal processes.
The court’s decisive actions in sentencing the offenders underscore the commitment to upholding justice and ensuring accountability for reckless actions that endanger lives. The public’s vigilance and law enforcement’s swift response in apprehending the perpetrators showcase the importance of community involvement in maintaining safety on the roads. Such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the necessity for responsible driving and the severe consequences that can result from negligence behind the wheel.
As the victims continue to recover from their injuries, this incident serves as a cautionary tale highlighting the need for heightened awareness and adherence to road safety measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. The collective efforts of law enforcement and the judiciary in swiftly addressing the situation send a resounding message that such reckless behaviour will not be tolerated, reinforcing the value of accountability in safeguarding public welfare and ensuring a safer environment for all road users.