Drug-taking driver found guilty of killing teen in hit-and-run
A DRIVER accused of killing a teenager in a hit-and-run after taking drugs has been found guilty.
Derek Richards, 38, struck Rhys Dobson, 19, with his black Citroen C3 on Varteg Road in Blaenavon at around 3.20am on April 14, 2019, while the victim was walking home from a night out.
Mr Dobson, from Varteg, Pontypool, suffered a catastrophic brain injury and was declared dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination concluded his cause of death was destruction of the skull.
The defendant did not stop his car – or even brake – and carried on towards a Co-op in Blaenavon before abandoning his car and heading back home.
He was arrested shortly before 9am that day after returning to his vehicle, which was being examined by police.
Trim and bumper belonging to a Citroen C3 had been found at the scene where Mr Dobson had been hit.
It is thought he had been crouching at the time of the collision and vomit was found at the scene.
Richards, of Morgan Street, Blaenavon, was also found to have amphetamine and cannabis in his system.
The jury in Richards’ trial at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday found the defendant guilty of causing death by driving without due care and attention.
Following the verdict, Judge Nicola Jones addressed Mr Dobson’s family.
She said: “I can’t imagine how difficult it has been for you for the loss of such a young life.
“Your assistance to the court by behaving in such a dignified way has enabled everyone to get their jobs done and for the trial to proceed smoothly.
“Please accept my sincerest feelings and sympathy for your loss.”
The judge adjourned Richards’ sentencing to May 21 for a pre-sentence report but warned him the offence crossed the custody threshold.
He was also made subject to an interim driving ban until his sentencing.