Driver Jailed for Killing Pedestrian Near His Home
A 73-year-old driver has been locked up after killing a man walking near his home, devastating the victim’s family. Barry Thomas was convicted of causing the death of 61-year-old Brian Guest, who was struck on the B4317 near Ffos Las.
Crash Details: Too Close to Stop
On January 23, 2022, Thomas was driving his black Mercedes when he swerved onto the nearside verge and collided with Mr Guest, who was walking home. The court was told Thomas was following the car in front too closely, giving him no time to react.
The driver ahead testified that he saw Mr Guest on the roadside and moved towards the middle of the road to give him room. He then witnessed Thomas’s Mercedes alongside his passenger side before hitting the pedestrian.
Family Shattered by Tragic Loss
Mr Guest suffered catastrophic injuries and died in hospital, surrounded by loved ones. His wife heard the collision outside their home and discovered him injured. “You used your car as a weapon that day,” she said in a victim impact statement. “Your actions were avoidable and you have shown no remorse.”
The family added: “The defendant has destroyed our lives, stolen our future with Brian, and robbed us of a wonderful, devoted husband, father and tadcu.”
Sentencing: Eight Years Behind Bars & Driving Ban
Despite the heart-breaking evidence, Thomas denied dangerous driving and tried to blame another driver. But the court rejected his claims. On November 17, Swansea Crown Court sentenced him to eight years in prison and banned him from driving for ten years.
Sergeant Sara John of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Despite seeing the devastation he caused, the defendant still denied dangerous driving. This was a tragic, avoidable loss.”
