**Man Pleads Guilty Over Hit-and-Run Which Left Woman and Dog Pinned Beneath Car in Newport**
A man has admitted to causing a harrowing early morning hit-and-run incident that left a 63-year-old woman and her pet dog trapped underneath a vehicle in Newport, Wales. The collision, which transpired earlier this year, has sent ripples through the local community and raised fresh concerns regarding road safety.
Ian Probert, 40, of Thames Close, Bettws, Newport, entered his pleas at Newport Magistrates’ Court on charges including causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Probert further admitted to fleeing the scene, failing to report the incident, and neglecting to provide details when requested in connection to the identification of the vehicle’s driver.
The victim, Jackie Davies, had been taking her seven-year-old canine companion, Frisby, for their morning walk along Rowan Way in Malpas. Events took a dramatic turn at approximately 6.30am on 13 January, when a car collided with the pair as they were on the pavement, pinning both underneath in a distressing scene witnessed by terrified neighbours.
Emergency services, including multiple fire and rescue crews, responded rapidly. Their efforts were instrumental in extricating Ms Davies and her dog from beneath the car. Ms Davies was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff where she underwent extensive surgery following life-threatening injuries. Her devoted pet, Frisby, emerged with minor wounds, and was cared for by the family during Jackie’s slow recovery in hospital.
Family members expressed immense relief and gratitude that both victims survived what was described as a truly horrific ordeal. In the immediate aftermath, they told reporters that it was a miracle the consequences were not even more severe, given the scale of the impact and the initial uncertainty surrounding the incident.
At the time of the collision, local residents recalled hearing agonising screams matched with the alarming sound of a car mounting the pavement. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos as the vehicle struck the unsuspecting pair and then described how those inside the car abandoned the site before the authorities arrived.
Gwent Police promptly appealed to the public, urging anyone with information—ranging from eyewitness accounts to CCTV or dashcam footage—to come forward and assist with the investigation. The ongoing police enquiries were also bolstered by support from Crimestoppers, who published an image of Ian Probert and announced a £1,000 reward in exchange for information leading to his whereabouts after he left the scene.
In a statement, Gwent Police confirmed: “The occupants of the car reportedly left the scene prior to police attendance. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information, including home surveillance or vehicle dashcam footage, is encouraged to contact us directly.”
The case has since highlighted the crucial role played by the public in assisting police investigations, especially in situations where the individuals responsible attempt to evade accountability. Following his arrest and subsequent guilty pleas, Probert now awaits sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court on 22 August.
This case continues to resonate in Newport and has prompted renewed dialogue regarding supporting victims of dangerous driving, the responsibilities of motorists, and the potential consequences of fleeing the scene of a serious incident. The local community remains hopeful that justice will be served for Jackie Davies and her loyal companion Frisby.
As the legal process unfolds, both police and residents have reinforced the importance of vigilance, compassion, and collaboration in the wake of such traumatic events—a call for safer roads and greater societal responsibility.