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An uninsured drink driver has been jailed for eight years after causing the death of his friend, 18-year-old Dafydd Hughes.

Mr Hughes, from Abertysswg, was the passenger in a car being driven by 30-year-old Ricky Davies, of Nant y Melyn, Rhymney, on May 8 last year.

The crash, which involved a Peugeot 5008 and a Ford Focus, happened at around 1.30pm on Usk Road, Shirenewton, near Chepstow, Monmouthshire.

Davies was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday February 3. He had already pleaded guilty to six charges, including death by dangerous driving, drink driving and driving without insurance.

He was also banned from driving for 12 years and made to a pay a £190 charge.

In a statement, Mr Hughes’ family said: “On May 8 2022, our lives changed forever. Our beautiful boy Dafydd was taken from us.

“No sentence will ever be enough for the loss we have suffered as a family. However, the sentence given today has given us justice for Dafydd.”

PC Spencer Clease, of Gwent Police, said: “Davies’ reckless and selfish actions have led to the death of his friend.

“There are no excuses for deciding to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs nor driving dangerously. It can have devastating impact on others as shown in this case.”

He continued: “This is a reminder to everyone who gets behind the wheel – your responsibility isn’t just to ensure your own safety, but the safety of everyone around you.”