Four Injured in High-Speed BMW Crash
An aggressive driver reached speeds of 128mph before causing a major crash that left four individuals seriously injured. The driver, Liam Hiett, 25, was at a pub in Penarth on October 21, 2022, before driving his BMW 4 Series into Cardiff city center. His front-seat passenger, Isabella Black, described the terrifying experience of him driving at high speeds, even reaching 145mph, although investigations showed he was driving between 103mph and 128mph before the collision. The incident occurred on the Central Link Road in Cardiff.
“Given the manner of your driving a collision was effectively inevitable resulting from your decision to drive at extreme high speed.”
During the sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Simon Mills Esq emphasized the reckless driving behavior of Hiett, stating that a collision was inevitable at such extreme speeds. The crash occurred when Hiett’s BMW collided with a Toyota, which was then propelled into a heavy goods vehicle in the same direction on the Central Link road.
Ms Black, the front-seat passenger, sustained severe injuries, including a fractured sternum, severe swelling and bruising, and had to undergo surgery to remove glass from her leg. She expressed her trauma following the incident, stating that she now struggles to get into a car with another driver and requires support when driving. Nihad Hussain, the driver of the Toyota, suffered a fractured left hip socket, while passengers Omar Bahid and Kashard Kashid sustained multiple fractures and injuries.
Liam Hiett pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Despite expressing genuine remorse for his actions, the court heard about his previous convictions related to drug offenses. In his defense, Hiett’s barrister highlighted his client’s remorse and early guilty plea, along with his efforts to secure employment post-injury. Judge Mills ultimately sentenced Hiett to 26 months in prison, along with a four-year and one-month disqualification from driving.
The aftermath of the crash has left lasting physical and emotional scars on the victims, with Ms Black expressing that she will never forgive Hiett for the ordeal. The severity of the injuries sustained by all individuals involved underscores the devastating consequences of reckless driving behaviors.