A teenage boy endured a fractured skull and several other injuries after a harrowing car crash in Pontypool, brought about by a driver recklessly ignoring pleas to slow down. The incident, which unfolded on 12 November last year, culminated with the vehicle overturning and coming to rest on its roof in the Lasgarn Lane area. The driver, 37-year-old Liam Collins, had reportedly been travelling at excessive speeds, despite the clear distress of his young passengers.
According to testimony heard during a sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court, Collins had offered a lift to two 13-year-old boys in the Trevethin neighbourhood. Before setting off, he stopped to buy two bottles of alcohol and shortly thereafter, the group entered his silver Ford Focus. Witnesses recalled that the journey quickly turned unsettling, as Collins made erratic turns and accelerated dangerously, nearly colliding with other drivers. One of the boys recounted that Collins emitted a strong smell of alcohol and his eyes appeared bloodshot.
The court was told that both teenagers expressed concern for their safety, asking Collins repeatedly to reduce his speed. Rather than heed their requests, Collins reportedly taunted them, pressing further on the accelerator and ‘flying’ over speed bumps. Events reached a critical point when, on approaching a bend in the road, Collins warned, “Watch this now,” before losing control of the vehicle.
The Ford Focus subsequently flipped and landed on its roof, resulting in both boys being rushed to the Grange University Hospital. Medical examinations revealed the severity of the injuries sustained. One teenager was found to be “confused” and “drowsy”, suffering from significant swelling to the back of his head, bruising beneath both eyes, facial wounds, and a fractured skull accompanied by internal bleeding and bruising to the brain. Additional injuries included wounds to his limbs, jaw tenderness, and misaligned teeth. The second boy was also injured, receiving grazes to his face, bruising to his cheek and shoulder, and cuts above his eye.
Following the incident, Collins was arrested at his residence but reportedly acted in an aggressive manner towards responding officers, challenging them verbally. Analysis of his blood sample revealed an alcohol level of 99 micrograms per 100 millilitres, a figure well above the legal driving limit. Despite being released on bail, Collins was subsequently spotted behind the wheel of a different vehicle—a red Fiat this time—in an apparent attempt to evade detection, including fitting false number plates.
Collins later surrendered at Cwmbran police station, where he was arrested again. The court was informed that he already had an alarming record of 37 previous convictions for dangerous driving and related motoring offences, including aggravated vehicle taking and driving while intoxicated.
During mitigation, Collins’ defence solicitor, Julia Cox, highlighted personal challenges faced by her client, including unresolved trauma and bereavement, exacerbated by news of becoming a father whilst in custody. However, Judge Daniel Williams condemned Collins’ “outrageously bad driving”, noting the grave risk posed to his young passengers and the wider public.
Handing down his sentence, the court ordered Collins to serve three years and four months in prison. In addition, he was disqualified from driving for five years, a ban that will commence upon his release.
The case has reignited concerns about road safety and the enduring risk posed by repeat motoring offenders. Community voices have expressed sympathy for the boys and their families, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent similar tragedies on Welsh roads. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the enduring impact such actions can have on innocent lives.