M4 deaths driver 'freed too soon'

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A teenager believed to have driven a car in a head-on motorway crash which killed five people was released from prison too early, says an MP.

Christopher Beresford, 18, died, along with two other men who were travelling the wrong way on the M4 at Newport, and an elderly couple in the other car.

Mr Beresford had been detained for offences including dangerous driving, but was released early in August.

Monmouth MP David Davies said families were "destroyed" by last week's crash.

The only survivor was an 18-year-old who was also in the Ford Mondeo with Mr Beresford, Lee Maggs, 26, and Sam Case, 19, all from Newport.

Shortly before the crash at 0320 BST on Monday, 17 September, Gwent Police had broken off pursuit of the Mondeo.

In the other car, a Volvo 940, were Bridget Stafford, 70, and James Stafford, 69, who were travelling to their Surrey home after a holiday in their native Ireland.

It has once again proved it's a fallacy that letting people out of prison is cheaper than keeping them in MP David Davies

It has emerged that in March, Mr Beresford pleaded guilty at Newport youth court to dangerous driving, taking a vehicle without consent and driving without insurance or a licence.

Then 17, he was given a 12-month detention and training order, but was released last month from Parc Prison, Bridgend, under the supervision of a youth offending team.

Mr Davies, who is also a special constable, said: "This case graphically demonstrates the need to end all forms of early release.

"It has once again proved it's a fallacy that letting people out of prison is cheaper than keeping them in. Persistent offenders are responsible for half of the crimes committed.

"Several families have been destroyed as a result of all this. He was let out before the prison authorities had a chance to do any work with him."

Flowers were placed on a bridge overlooking the crash scene

Earlier on Monday the Stafford family released a statement saying: "We are devastated by the deaths of our parents James and Bridget Stafford, who were loved by us and so many people.

"We offer our condolences to the other families involved in this tragic incident.

"We thank the emergency services for their help and support. All that we ask for now is to be left alone to mourn our loss."

The 18-year-old survivor of the crash was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport with multiple fractures.

Hours after the crash, it emerged that police had tried to stop the Ford Mondeo at nearby Penhow but abandoned any pursuit when the vehicle turned onto the M4, in the wrong direction.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the collision and has taken possession of all the evidence collected by police following the crash, including CCTV footage and call logs.

The police watchdog continues to appeal for information from anyone who saw a red Ford Mondeo travelling the wrong direction on the eastbound carriageway of the M4 near the Christchurch Road motorway bridge at around 0315 BST.

Witnesses are asked to call free phone 0800 096 9076 or e-mail m4newport_incident@ipcc.gov.uk.