Cynon Valley

Causing death mobile phone

-

including spinal fractures and died five days later.

His brother was “shaken up” but did not suffer serious injuries and was discharged, although the family said he still struggles to sleep after suffering flashbacks.

Powell was found with £10 worth of the Class B drug amphetamin­e down his sock, but tests confirmed he did not have any drugs or alcohol in his system at the time.

He told officers he could not remember the crash, and subsequent tests showed there were no mechanical defects with either vehicle involved.

In a statement, Mr Bowen’s family said: “Arthur was a well-loved brother and uncle. He was a real gentleman who was very much loved and respected by all who knew him.”

His twin Ann said: “I find it impossible to put into words the unimaginab­le pain we are suffering.

“There is a special connection between twins. I find myself crying over the slightest things and I talk to his photograph as if he is still here.”

She added: “It was my birthday recently, but I couldn’t face opening my cards because how could I celebrate the day without Arthur – who would have been celebratin­g his too.”

Ms Rogers said her twin brother was the organiser in the family and acted as a carer to his brother Dillwyn.

She said: “To be killed in such a brutal and cruel way is just not befitting for a man of his stature and compounds the anguish we are feeling.”

The court heard Powell was convicted in October 2014 of driving without insurance and received six penalty points on his driv- ing record, plus a £110 fine.

He also had conviction­s for possession of Class B drugs and failing to surrender.

Rhodri Chudleigh, defending, said his client was “devastated” by what happened, adding: “He knows he will have to live with this for the rest of his life.”

Powell admitted possession of amphetamin­e and causing death by dangerous driving on a basis of plea. He accepted he was on the phone to his father at the time, but stated he was using the loud speaker and it was not in his hand.

The defendant also stated the car was unfamiliar and the steering was lighter than he was used to.

Judge Eleri Rees said: “This is a devastatin­g loss for Mr Bowen’s family. No sentence I can pass will reduce their grief, sense of loss and distress at the manner of his death.”

She told the defendant: “This will have a devastatin­g effect on you too and I have no doubt the sentence will be hard, but it will pass and you will be able to rebuild your life.”

Powell was jailed for two years and disqualifi­ed from driving for five years.

He must also pass an extended test before he will be allowed behind the wheel again.

 ??  ?? Gregory Powell
Gregory Powell

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom