Drink driver from Maesycwmmer jailed after killing friend in car crash

A 22-year-old drink driver from Maesycwmmer has been jailed for three years after killing his friend in a car crash.

Samuel Jenkins, 22, crashed his blue Seat Ibiza on the Bedwas side of Bedwas Bridge, on the A468 near Caerphilly, at around 3.30am on Sunday September 13.

He had been out drinking with friend Haramardeep Singh Ghuman, who was in the passenger seat of the car at the time of the crash, and lost control of the car while driving at 70mph.

Judge Paul Thomas QC, passing sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, July 8, branded Jenkins “arrogant” for getting behind the wheel while drunk.

The judge said: “You arrogantly believed that you had superior ability. You drove on that occasion at a ridiculously high speed of up to 70mph, when you were 50% over the drink-drive limit.

“You now have to live with the knowledge that your stupidity killed your very close friend.

“There is no sentence that I could pass that could begin to reflect the death of Mr Ghuman, and the tragic loss to his family.

“There are signs of remorse, and there is evidence that you are a decent young man. You must have good qualities and be a decent individual for him to be a friend of yours.”

Jenkins had previously admitted death by dangerous driving at a previous court hearing.

Speaking after sentencing, Sergeant Robert Ball, of Gwent Police, said: “This was an extremely sad and tragic incident, and our thoughts today remain with the family and friends of Haramardeep Ghuma.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists of their responsibility to drive safely and legally on our roads, the consequences of neglecting this can be far-reaching and have devastating consequences for many.”