Fatal crash ‘has ruined our lives’
THE mother of a teenager killed in crash said his death had “ruined our lives”. On Friday, former soldier Daniel Marchant Williams was sentenced to six years and eight months in custody, after pleading guilty to causing the death of 17-year-old Jack Whittaker by dangerous driving.
In an impact statement from Mr Whittaker’s mum, Caru, which was read to the court by prosecutor Catherine Richards, she described her son as a “polite and loving” boy who had been taken from her.
She said words could not express the feeling of having to choose a coffin in which to bury your own son, and said his sudden death had “ruined our lives and shattered our hearts” and that “part of me died and was taken away”.
She said the family had not celebrated Christmas when it came around two months after the teenager’s death, and wondered: “Is this how it is going to be now – no celebration, just existence.”
She said on Mother’s Day there had been a card from her other son James, and a gap on the shelf next to it where Jack’s card should have been.
The mum added that she was grateful for the way the local community had rallied around in the weeks after her son’s death, and had raised money to pay for his funeral.
Williams had spent around 12 hours drinking in Banwen RFC clubhouse before offering three youngsters a lift to a party on October 21 last year.
As they approached a sharp bend he told his passengers to watch how well his Mini Cooper could corner, and put his foot down - as his car hit speeds estimated to be as high as 95mph he lost control and crashed.
Mr Whittaker was killed almost instantly when a fence post smashed through the windscreen of the car, and hit him.
Speaking after the sentencing South Wales Police detective constable Matthew Deschoolmeester, the lead collision investigator in the case, said the selfish actions of Williams had caused the death of Jack Whittaker.
He said the death of the teenager had caused his family and friends “enormous grief that will never go away”.
The detective also said he wanted to personally thank Mr Whittaker’s family and friends for the dignity and courage they had shown, and to thank the witnesses who had helped with the investigation.
He added that South Wales Police wanted to send out a simple message to motorists.
He said: “If you drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will get caught.
“If your actions kill or seriously injure another person, you will receive a lengthy prison sentence.”
Williams had served with distinction in the Welsh Guards between 2002 and 2009 including tours of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Balkans.