Drug driver who hit four cyclists when driving on wrong side of road jailed

A man who was high on drugs when he hit four cyclists head-on with his car while driving on the wrong side of the road has been jailed.

Jason Morgan, 48, was high on amphetamine when he hit the cyclists at 60mph in his Vauxhall Corsa through Gelligaer Common, near Bargoed in April last year.

All four cyclists were injured, with one suffering life changing injuries.

Morgan, of Coly Row, Bedlinog, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on August 20, where he was jailed for two years and eight months.

He pleaded guilty to drug driving, dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was banned from driving for four years and four months and will have to pass an extended driving test before he’s allowed behind the wheel again.

PC Michelle Greatrex, of Gwent Police, said Morgan “demonstrated blatant disregard” for other road users.

PC Greatrex said: “Whilst one of the four cyclists involved suffered life changing injuries, it is only by chance that there wasn’t a more serious outcome for all involved.

“He was found to be three times the legal limit for drugs. All the cyclists sustained injuries of varying degree and continue to live with the trauma of being struck by an oncoming vehicle.

“This incident was entirely avoidable.”

PC Greatrex added: “I hope this outcome serves as a warning to anyone who chooses to get behind a vehicle having taken drugs that they are putting not only their own but the lives of others at risk.”

Morgan was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £190 within three months of release. The victim surcharge goes towards the Victim and Witness General Fund, which provides funding for victim services.