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Stone throwing led to road death | Stone throwing led to road death |
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A 28-year-old commuter who died in a car crash after three teenagers threw stones onto a main south Wales road was unlawfully killed, a coroner has ruled. | A 28-year-old commuter who died in a car crash after three teenagers threw stones onto a main south Wales road was unlawfully killed, a coroner has ruled. |
John Lee Wells, from Rassau in Ebbw Vale, died in July 2008 following a collision on the A465 road. | John Lee Wells, from Rassau in Ebbw Vale, died in July 2008 following a collision on the A465 road. |
During an inquest in Aberdare coroner Peter Maddox said it was an act of "breathtaking stupidity" by the youths. | During an inquest in Aberdare coroner Peter Maddox said it was an act of "breathtaking stupidity" by the youths. |
Two boys aged 16 and 15 from Treharris and a girl, 13, are serving between two and four years youth detention. | Two boys aged 16 and 15 from Treharris and a girl, 13, are serving between two and four years youth detention. |
They were convicted of causing damage and being reckless as to whether life was endangered and sentenced at Merthyr Crown Court in April. | They were convicted of causing damage and being reckless as to whether life was endangered and sentenced at Merthyr Crown Court in April. |
Luke John Cotter, 16, was sentenced to four years, his brother Alan Type, 15, to three years and the 13-year-old girl was detained for two years. | Luke John Cotter, 16, was sentenced to four years, his brother Alan Type, 15, to three years and the 13-year-old girl was detained for two years. |
John Lee Wells was driving home from work at the time | |
Mr Wells had been travelling from work in Swansea. | Mr Wells had been travelling from work in Swansea. |
His silver Fiat Ibiza collided with another car near the Goytre Lane underpass near Merthyr on 18 July. | His silver Fiat Ibiza collided with another car near the Goytre Lane underpass near Merthyr on 18 July. |
The inquest heard from Jamie Lee Hulbert who saw rocks and half bricks in the road and was worried his windscreen would be smashed. | The inquest heard from Jamie Lee Hulbert who saw rocks and half bricks in the road and was worried his windscreen would be smashed. |
After passing the boys, he said he suddenly saw a stationary car ahead of him and had to swerve around it. | After passing the boys, he said he suddenly saw a stationary car ahead of him and had to swerve around it. |
Mr Wells, who had been overtaking him at the time, was pushed into the path of an oncoming car. | Mr Wells, who had been overtaking him at the time, was pushed into the path of an oncoming car. |
Accident investigator Stephen Haigh said the Crown Prosecution Service had originally recommended Mr Hulbert be prosecuted for careless driving but no prosecution was brought. | Accident investigator Stephen Haigh said the Crown Prosecution Service had originally recommended Mr Hulbert be prosecuted for careless driving but no prosecution was brought. |
He added it was reasonable for Mr Hulbert to be distracted by the boys throwing stones. | He added it was reasonable for Mr Hulbert to be distracted by the boys throwing stones. |
Speaking after the inquest Mr Wells' family said they were happy with the verdict but they were considering whether to bring a civil action against Mr Hulbert. | Speaking after the inquest Mr Wells' family said they were happy with the verdict but they were considering whether to bring a civil action against Mr Hulbert. |
Philip Wells, John Wells' father, said the action by the teenagers had been "dreadful" but the family were pleased with the coroner's verdict. | |
During April's court case the prosecution said the unidentified driver who stopped had never come forward or been traced. | During April's court case the prosecution said the unidentified driver who stopped had never come forward or been traced. |