Cardiff driver jailed for 16 months for killing teenager

Cardiff driver jailed for 16 months for killing teenager

A reckless driver who was described as an “irresponsible show off” has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for causing the death of a teenage girl on a zebra crossing. Christopher West, 42, struck 15-year-old Keely Morgan as she crossed Heol Trelai in Caerau, Cardiff on the evening of May 1, 2023. West, from Ely, was driving between 32mph (51km/h) and 43mph (69km/h) on a 30mph road, and he admitted to causing death by careless driving and death by driving without insurance.

Keely’s family expressed their disappointment, stating that the sentence does not reflect the gravity of their loss. Judge Paul Hobson acknowledged the devastation caused by Keely’s death, noting that she was a young woman with a promising future, particularly after dealing with health challenges and the impact of the Covid pandemic. Her family emphasized that Keely’s vibrant spirit and potential were cut short by the preventable incident.

Despite apologizing and showing signs of panic after the crash, the court heard that West’s behavior before the accident was reckless, with witnesses describing him as a show off who engaged in dangerous maneuvers like “snaking” the vehicle. Judge Hobson highlighted West’s irresponsible actions and lack of genuine remorse, emphasizing the need for a jail term due to the seriousness of the offense and the presence of aggravating factors. In addition to the 16-month sentence for causing death by careless driving and driving without insurance, West was also banned from driving for two years and eight months.

The tragic loss of Keely Morgan serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless and careless driving behavior. Her family’s call for stricter consequences for dangerous drivers resonates with the broader community, emphasizing the need for accountability and measures to prevent such avoidable tragedies in the future. The sentencing of Christopher West underscores the importance of upholding road safety standards and ensuring that individuals who endanger the lives of others face appropriate legal repercussions

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