Driver jailed for killing man in layby

A BMW driver who lost control of his vehicle and aquaplaned into a layby, killing a man, has been imprisoned at Cardiff Crown Court today.

Ricky Perkins, 32, was driving on the A4063 Aberkenfig bypass just before 6am on 20 January 2021. He lost control of the car, mounting the grass verge before the layby, colliding with Byron Jeans, who was standing in the layby waiting for a lift to work.

Collision investigators described the scene as “..wet with surface water present..” detailing there was water flowing across the carriageway due to a blocked drain.

Following examination of the scene and data from the vehicle, the investigator formed the opinion that the BMW was travelling at 93mph at the point of impact, despite the road having a 50mph speed limit.

Millie Davies from the CPS said: “The CPS used data from the airbag along with eyewitness accounts to show that the defendant was driving too fast.

“The combination of speed and poor weather conditions resulted in Perkins losing control of the vehicle, which had tragic consequences.

“No one can undo the events of that morning, and although the case is now concluded, our thoughts will remain with Byron’s family and friends.”

Perkins was sentenced on 2 September 2024 at Cardiff Crown Court to five years’ imprisonment and was disqualified from driving for five years and six months.