Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

A driver has been handed a suspended prison sentence following the death of a 12-year-old boy on Pengam Road, Aberbargoed.

Cole Roper, 12, from Cefn Fforest, was riding his bike with another 12-year-old child on Pengam Road, Aberbargoed on September 7, 2019 – when they were both hit by a blue Vauxhall Astra.

Cole was taken to Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil before being transferred to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where he died.

The other child was treated at hospital for his injuries, but was later released.

The driver of the car – 34-year-old Damien Wayne, of Gilfach Street, Bargoed – appeared at Newport Magistrates’ Court on April 1, where he was given a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. Wayne also goes by the name of Adam Bailey.

He pleaded guilty to one charge of making a false statement to obtain insurance, and one charge of death by driving an unlicensed vehicle.

He was banned from driving for two years and ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work.

Wayne was also made to pay a £115 victim surcharge, which goes towards funding victim services, as well as £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Following Cole’s death, his family described him as “a wonderful son, brother, grandson and friend to many”.

In a statement, the family said: “Our beautiful boy Cole, a sensitive, smiley, fun-loving soul. Words cannot describe how much he will be missed.”

Around 50 people, including Cole’s family and friends, attended a vigil in his memory at Cefn Fforest Eco Centre on October 4, 2019 – which would have been Cole’s 13th birthday.