This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/south_east/6278062.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
'Ferry' motorist jailed for death | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
A wealthy landowner has been jailed for two-and-a-half years at Cardiff Crown Court for killing a motorist and then driving off to catch a ferry. | A wealthy landowner has been jailed for two-and-a-half years at Cardiff Crown Court for killing a motorist and then driving off to catch a ferry. |
John Richards, of Malmsbury, Wiltshire, who denied death by dangerous driving, called a Tory peer and comedian Jethro as character witnesses. | John Richards, of Malmsbury, Wiltshire, who denied death by dangerous driving, called a Tory peer and comedian Jethro as character witnesses. |
Barmaid Carol Gadja, 48, from Bridgend was killed when Richards crashed into her on the M4 in March 2006. | Barmaid Carol Gadja, 48, from Bridgend was killed when Richards crashed into her on the M4 in March 2006. |
Judge Stephen Hopkins QC told Richards, 63, he was "callous" and "arrogant". | Judge Stephen Hopkins QC told Richards, 63, he was "callous" and "arrogant". |
He said that his actions "beggared belief". | He said that his actions "beggared belief". |
Jailing Richards, a farmer, after the jury returned a guilty verdict, the judge said: "I have been watching you as the evidence has unfolded and at times half a smile has played across your lips. | Jailing Richards, a farmer, after the jury returned a guilty verdict, the judge said: "I have been watching you as the evidence has unfolded and at times half a smile has played across your lips. |
"You are not only callous but I think I am dealing with an arrogant man." | "You are not only callous but I think I am dealing with an arrogant man." |
I think Mr Richards is the most extraordinary, dependable of people. Lord Mancroft | I think Mr Richards is the most extraordinary, dependable of people. Lord Mancroft |
The four-day trial had heard how Richards was driving his Range Rover at speeds of up to 95mph (153 km/h) when he crashed into Mrs Gadja's car near the turn-off for Porthcawl. | The four-day trial had heard how Richards was driving his Range Rover at speeds of up to 95mph (153 km/h) when he crashed into Mrs Gadja's car near the turn-off for Porthcawl. |
Her car flipped over and crashed into an embankment ending up on its roof. Ms Gadja was thrown from the vehicle. | Her car flipped over and crashed into an embankment ending up on its roof. Ms Gadja was thrown from the vehicle. |
Richards stopped, gave his details to another motorist who dialled 999 after seeing the accident and said:"I've got to catch a ferry". | Richards stopped, gave his details to another motorist who dialled 999 after seeing the accident and said:"I've got to catch a ferry". |
He was arrested moments after he and his wife boarded the Swansea to Cork ferry. | He was arrested moments after he and his wife boarded the Swansea to Cork ferry. |
He claimed in court that he clipped Ms Gadja's car when she braked and he drove off because he did not realise the accident was serious. | He claimed in court that he clipped Ms Gadja's car when she braked and he drove off because he did not realise the accident was serious. |
Pillar | Pillar |
His close friends Lord Mancroft and West Country comedian Jethro both spoke for Richards in court. | His close friends Lord Mancroft and West Country comedian Jethro both spoke for Richards in court. |
Lord Mancroft said: "I think Mr Richards is the most extraordinary, dependable of people. | Lord Mancroft said: "I think Mr Richards is the most extraordinary, dependable of people. |
"He is reliable, generous in spirit and manner, a pillar of the local community - unusual these days." | "He is reliable, generous in spirit and manner, a pillar of the local community - unusual these days." |
Jethro described the landowner as the "most honourable man" and the "most charitable man". | Jethro described the landowner as the "most honourable man" and the "most charitable man". |
Asked by the defence if Richards was a callous man, Jethro replied: "Not at all - not in my experience." | |
Richards, who farms near the village of Sherston in Wiltshire, was also banned from driving for four years. | Richards, who farms near the village of Sherston in Wiltshire, was also banned from driving for four years. |
His barrister, Patrick Harrington QC, said a prison term would have a "devastating effect" on Richards, who he said apologised "wholeheartedly". | |
He said Richards had obtained 600 acres of land through a "huge amount of work and effort" and was a "dedicated family man". | |
"This is a case where there are no winners, only losers," said Mr Harrington. | |
Mrs Gadja's family were in court and after the case they said: "She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. | |
"It was very sad to us that at the time of the accident she had another grandchild on the way but we never had the chance to tell her." | "It was very sad to us that at the time of the accident she had another grandchild on the way but we never had the chance to tell her." |
"The sentence was immaterial. He has been found guilty and that was what we wanted." | "The sentence was immaterial. He has been found guilty and that was what we wanted." |
Previous version
1
Next version