Killer driver fails in a bid to clear his name at appeal court
A MOTORIST who caused a horrific crash which killed his best friend and another driver has failed in a bid to clear his name.
Darren Stephen Jarvis lost control of his sports car while driving at 71mph on the Aberdare bypass with his friend, Lee Williams, 41, of Aberaman, inside.
The turbo-charged Nissan Skyline then ploughed into a people carrier driven by Jacek Stawski, 38, from Penrhiwceiber.
Jarvis, 46, of Heol Isaf, Radyr, Cardiff, was jailed for four years at Cardiff Crown Court in November 2013 after being found guilty of two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.
He challenged his convictions at the Court of Appeal in London with his lawyers arguing that “fresh evidence” had come to light since his trial. But his appeal was rejected by three of the country’s most senior judges, who said the convictions were “safe”.
The court heard that before the crash on the A4059 bypass – a road with a 60mph speed limit – Jarvis was seen driving normally.
However, his 3.8-litre-engine vehicle then “suddenly accelerated” and mounted a verge before spinning back onto the road, colliding with Mr Stawski’s car.
Mr Williams and Mr Stawski were both killed in the crash.
Jarvis denied any wrongdoing, claiming he had had an epileptic fit shortly before the crash which caused him to lose control of his car, but was found guilty by a jury.
His lawyers told the Appeal Court there was “fresh evidence” relating to tyre marks found near the scene of the crash.
In an expert’s opinion the marks were “inconsistent” with the evidence of a witness who had described Jarvis “fighting to control the steering wheel”.
Michael Wolkind QC said this evidence cast doubt on the witness’ testimony and was capable of supporting Jarvis’ defence.
But, dismissing his appeal, Lord Justice Treacy said the new evidence focused only on part of the incident and did not affect the safety of the convictions.
Sitting with Mrs Justice Nicola Davies and Judge Simon Mayo QC, he added: “We conclude that the evidence cannot afford any ground for allowing this appeal.”
Jarvis was ordered to pay the prosecution’s costs of £6,366.