Drug-using driver jailed for hit-and-run Blaenavon death

Rhys Dobson died after helping friends get home safely

A driver who had been taking amphetamines before killing a pedestrian in a hit-and-run crash has been jailed for three years.

Rhys Dobson, 19, died at the scene when a car driven by Derek Richards, 38, of Blaenavon, hit him in Varteg Road in the Torfaen town.

Richards was found guilty of causing death by driving without due care and attention.

Cardiff Crown Court heard Mr Dobson had walked some friends home after a night out because they had not felt safe.

He was returning home alone on 14 April 2019 when Richards drove into him and he died instantly.

Derek Richards had taken a near fatal dose of amphetamines

The court heard Richards did not stop and parked his car away from his home. He later claimed he thought he had hit something which had been fly-tipped.

His car was found the following day by police. Richards claimed he had taken the drugs after the collision.

Judge Nicola Jones rejected that suggestion, describing the taking of amphetamines as a "substantially aggravating feature".

The court heard Richards had taken a potentially fatal dose of the drug.

She said: "You failed to stop so Rhys's body could be retrieved in a timely fashion and with dignity."

'Completely broken'

In a personal impact statement, Mr Dobson's father Colin told the court his son's death had a "massive impact" on the his family's life.

He said he was "completely broken" and that his mental health had "suffered immensely".

Mr Dobson told the court he had been unable to identify his son and his mother had done it.

He said his life had taken on new rituals, adding: "I blow a kiss to his photo and I blow a kiss to the place where Rhys was killed by Derek Richards."

Mr Dobson said: "His life was ended by someone who had no regard for anyone. He has stolen Rhys's life away and my own."

He added: "I feel as a father I have failed him as I didn't protect him."

Richards was also banned from driving for four years and six months.

'Some justice has been served'

The family issued a statement following the sentencing.

They said: "We came here to court today hoping for some justice for our only son Rhys. Even though no sentence would have been long enough to ever make up for the loss we have felt and still feel, the fact that some justice has been served in Rhys' name has given us some comfort.

"Our only son has been taken away from us and there will never be anything that will make up for that, but the fact that a custodial sentence has been served is all that we could have asked for."

They thanked the police and Crown Prosecution Service for their support, adding: "Now we have to try to live on in Rhys' name and his memory and in the knowledge that we as parents, with the help of the services mentioned, have done all we can to bring justice for our son.

"We love and miss you Rhys and we always will."

Sgt Robert Ball, senior investigating officer, said: "I would like to commend Mr Dobson's family who have shown courage and dignity throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

"Our thoughts remain with them at this time."