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A disqualified driver who caused the death of his friend in a crash four years ago has been jailed.

Jason Bradford, 34, of Rhos Dyfed, Aberdare, lost control of his car in Cefn Hengoed on Saturday November 14, 2020, leaving the road and crashing into concrete posts.

That night, Bradford had been to the pub with two friends, and drove home despite being disqualified.

The crash claimed the life of 27-year-old passenger Callum West, and caused life-changing injuries to the other passenger.

Bradford appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday January 7, where he pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.

He also pleaded guilty to causing death while disqualified from driving, and causing serious injury while disqualified.

Bradford was handed a six-year and seven-month jail sentence, and banned from driving for ten years.

‘An amazing father’

A victim impact statement from Mr West’s family was read out in court. It said: “We could talk all day about the memories we all hold of Callum and how much of a loved son, brother, cousin, uncle, nephew and friend he was and will always be.

“Most importantly, Callum was an amazing father to his then six-year-old daughter, Jessica, who is now growing up without the support and guidance of her beloved dad.”

The statement continued: “For over four years Bradford was allowed to live his life freely. He claimed to be unfit to stand trial, yet he was fit enough to get married only a few months after the crash, living the life that Callum will never get the chance to live. All while, the lives of his victims’ families have been put on hold.

“We understand that no legal outcome can bring Callum back or restore what we have lost. However, we hope by sharing our pain and frustration today we can emphasise the grave consequences of reckless decisions. 

“Justice for Callum cannot reverse that damage, but it can be a solemn reminder of the value of life and the heavy cost of negligence.”

Meanwhile, the family of the injured passenger also welcomed Bradford’s sentencing and said: “We are glad that this ordeal is over, and we can start trying to move on and heal.

“We would like to thank all the emergency services who helped and especially would like to thank the senior investigating officer, PC David Thomas for investigating this unnecessary tragedy and for his support throughout.”

‘Reckless and needless actions’

PC Thomas, of Gwent Police, described Mr West’s death as “not only the tragic loss of a deeply loved son but also a father of a daughter who misses him greatly”.

He also highlighted the life-changing injuries suffered by the other passenger and said: “This is due to the reckless and needless actions of what they believed to be a friend. Bradford drove without due care and attention while disqualified, uninsured, and thought to be over the drink drive limit.

“The loss of Callum’s life, and the serious injuries sustained to the other passenger, were completely avoidable. No sentence will ever comprehend the loss of a loved one, or the injuries to another. 

 “I would like to thank the families involved for their support and understanding throughout this long investigation.”