A 21-year-old woman has been jailed after deliberately driving her car at a motorcyclist in Llanbradach, Caerphilly, then reversing her vehicle over his leg, leaving him with severe injuries. The incident, which occurred in June last year, was described by the sentencing judge as “beyond imagination” due to the level of harm inflicted.
The confrontation reached its violent crescendo on Wingfield Crescent, where Amy Palfrey, behind the wheel of a white Vauxhall Corsa, struck Ethan Loveridge—her long-standing adversary—causing him to fall from his motorbike. Chilling CCTV footage presented to Cardiff Crown Court revealed the moment Palfrey not only collided with Mr Loveridge but then reversed over him as he lay on the ground.
According to witness statements and courtroom accounts, Palfrey exited her car after the collision and aggressively confronted her injured victim. She was heard jeering, “You think it’s funny? Now look at you, this is what you get”, even as passers-by rushed to the motorcyclist’s aid. This callous reaction only intensified the seriousness of her actions in the eyes of the court.
Mr Loveridge’s injuries were extensive and life-altering. He suffered a gruesome open compound fracture, with his bone protruding through his ankle, in addition to a shattered shin, broken kneecap, and significant tendon damage to his left leg. Multiple operations ensued as doctors worked to repair the damage. Despite medical advice, Mr Loveridge made the difficult decision to discharge himself from hospital, a testament to the severity of both his physical and psychological trauma.
In a victim statement read to the court, Mr Loveridge outlined the ongoing toll on his mental health and quality of life since the incident. His account depicted a once-active young man, now gripped by anxiety, plagued by flashbacks, and scarcely able to venture outdoors. The psychological scars and the uncertainty regarding the fate of his leg have, he said, left him profoundly changed and fearful for the future.
The court heard that the animosity between Palfrey and the victim had simmered for some time and had escalated earlier that day during a heated argument. These personal tensions ultimately culminated in a shocking public act of violence. Palfrey pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The court also noted she had a previous conviction for driving under the influence of drugs, raising further concerns about her conduct on the roads.
In her defence, Palfrey’s barrister, Josh Scouller, stated that she had endured a troubled upbringing and was currently pregnant, with her baby due later this year. He stressed her remorse and described her actions during the incident as unlawful and immature. While these mitigating factors were presented, the severity of her crime greatly overshadowed pleas for leniency.
Passing sentence, Judge Lucy Crowther delivered a stark rebuke, telling Palfrey her actions defied human comprehension. Palfrey received a nine-month custodial sentence, with provisions in place for her expected release ahead of her due date. She was also banned from driving for two years and four and a half months.
The case has caused significant local concern and serves as a sobering reminder of how personal disputes can spiral into tragic violence. The life-long impact on the victim stands in stark contrast to the fleeting nature of the altercation itself, underscoring the importance of responsible behaviour on the road and the lasting consequences of reckless actions.
As the community reflects on the case, questions remain about road safety, conflict resolution, and support for both victims and offenders in the aftermath of such traumatic events.