Four years, one month and 24 days ago, a tragic event occurred that forever changed the lives of one family in Hengoed, Caerphilly. Callum West, a 27-year-old father, lost his life when a car driven by Jason Bradford flipped and collided with a concrete fence. The impact not only resulted in Mr. West’s death but also caused serious injuries to another passenger, Ryan Waters, who was 24 years old at the time.
The events leading up to the fatal collision began with Bradford consuming around five pints of lager before getting behind the wheel of a silver Renault Clio. Witnesses later recounted seeing the vehicle flip and crash into the fence, with debris scattered and glass everywhere. Emergency responders arrived at the scene around 10.50 pm, where they found Mr. West motionless and unresponsive. Despite efforts to administer first aid, he was declared dead at the scene at approximately 11.36 pm.
At a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that Bradford, 34, had a history of dangerous driving and had been previously jailed for eight months. This time, he received a sentence of six years and seven months for causing the death of Callum West and injuring Ryan Waters. Additionally, Bradford was disqualified from driving for seven years upon his release from custody.
In a poignant victim impact statement read in court, Callum West’s mother, Karen West, expressed the profound loss and pain her family has endured since the tragic incident. She highlighted the void left by Callum’s absence, especially for his young daughter, Jessica, who has had to grow up without her father’s guidance and support. The family spoke of their ongoing grief and the challenging journey they have faced in the aftermath of the accident.
Despite Bradford’s claims of remorse and the impact of his own injuries sustained in the collision, the court heard of the lack of acknowledgment or sympathy shown towards the victims’ families. The prolonged legal proceedings and Bradford’s actions following the crash were highlighted as exacerbating factors in the families’ search for closure and justice.
Ultimately, Judge Simon Mill condemned Bradford’s reckless decision to drive under the influence and while disqualified, stating that no responsible person would take such actions. While legal outcomes cannot undo the harm caused, the hope is that by sharing their pain and frustration, the families affected can raise awareness of the devastating consequences of reckless choices and the importance of accountability.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the lasting impact of dangerous driving and the need for swift justice in holding individuals accountable for their actions. As the families continue to mourn their loss and navigate their grief, they hope their story will resonate with others and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.