Tractor driver persuaded lover to take crash blame

Afarm labourer driving a tractor involved in a three-vehicle pile-up persuaded his partner to tell police she was at the wheel even though she was not even with him at the time, a court heard.

Mother of two Victoria Court, 38, dashed to the scene of the crash last December in Frederick Street, Newport, after partner Sam Williams, 34, who was driving without a licence, phoned her in a panic.

And they both insisted that Court had been driving the tractor trailer even though witnesses at the scene were certain that Williams had been in the cab.

Newport Crown Court heard the crash was caused when a Vauxhall Corsa cut across the front of the tractor at a busy junction and was then pushed into a van.

Car driver Raymond Thorpe received a minor injury but his daughters, aged 12 and 14, were rushed to hospital with lifethreatening injuries and were still recovering.

Mr Thorpe has since been charged with driving without due care and attention.

Williams and Court, of Gwladys Street, Newport, both admitted perverting the course of justice and were jailed – Williams for eight months and his partner for six months, in her case suspended for two years.

Williams also admitted driving without a licence and without insurance and was given six penalty points.

The court heard Williams had been working in a field at Cefn Mably and decided to return the hired tractor by driving on the roads.

Prosecutor Ian Kolvin told the court: “There was no way that the tractor could avoid the collision but Williams was not entitled to be driving.

“Police found a telephone conversation between Williams and his partner and she said she was the driver, even though a witness said the man had been driving.

“They maintained their position but two hours later he admitted he had been the driver and both of them had panicked.”

Williams’ lawyer, Andrew Taylor, told the court: “He went into a fit of panic and contacted Miss Court by phone while she was in Caerleon.

“A plan was hatched but it was extremely amateurish and was never really believed by the police.”

Recorder Caroline Rees told Williams: “You asked her to take the blame and were the instigator, dragging the mother of your children into severe jeopardy.”

The judge also ordered Court, who cried and shook throughout the hearing, to take a rehabilitation course.