A woman in her late eighties has been left with devastating injuries after a night out in Risca, Caerphilly, ended in tragedy. The incident unfolded on 24 August last year, when Kelsey Kent, aged 30, lost control of his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, striking Sheila Hughes as she left a local social club. This harrowing event, which was later scrutinised at Newport Crown Court, has thrown violent drink-driving incidents into sharp focus and prompted renewed calls for vigilance on Welsh roads.
CCTV footage revealed that Kent had spent time visiting multiple public houses before the crash, visibly consuming several pints of lager throughout the day. His subsequent behaviour caught on camera illustrated a man unsteady on his feet and engaging in what was described in court as “boorish” conduct. Moments before getting behind the wheel of his black Suzuki Swift, Kent staggered as he left the last pub, yet still chose to drive off into the night.
Witnesses and investigators detailed how Kent travelled at speeds close to 40mph in a 20mph residential zone between Risca and Crosskeys. Entering St Mary Street, the vehicle veered sharply off course, crossing into the opposite lane, then mounting the pavement. The car ploughed into a bus shelter and eventually came to rest against a house wall, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
During sentencing, Prosecutor Ieuan Bennett outlined the key facts, suggesting that Kent may have fallen asleep at the wheel. Kent, however, claimed he had been distracted. The consequences, whatever their root cause, were grave for Sheila Hughes, who had chosen to venture to her local workingmen’s club alone, due to her husband’s ill health. As she exited the venue, Kent’s car collided with her, sending her airborne and inflicting severe trauma, especially to her legs.
Ms Hughes was airlifted to Morriston Hospital in Swansea for urgent medical intervention, where she underwent multiple operations including extensive skin grafting to address the injuries to her legs. Subsequent breath tests conducted by Gwent Police showed Kent’s blood alcohol content at more than twice the legal limit – 193 microgrammes per 100 millilitres, compared to the permissible 80 microgrammes.
Kent, of Swallow Way, Newport, was arrested at the scene where he was witnessed holding his head in his hands, apparently in shock. During police interviews, Kent admitted to having consumed around five pints of lager, as well as additional cans at his partner’s home. Despite this, he struggled to explain exactly how he lost control of the vehicle.
Sheila Hughes’ victim impact statement, read in court by the prosecution, painted a heart-breaking picture of a life transformed by the crash. She spoke of severe physical injuries, including deep lacerations, substantial muscle damage, and the emotional toll of no longer being able to enjoy time with her grandchildren or care for her husband. Mrs Hughes described a renewed dependence on mobility aids and modifications at home, as well as the loss of a costly hearing aid – all reminders of a sudden, enforced shift in her daily existence.
Defence lawyer Martha Smith-Higgins argued that Kent was deeply remorseful for his role in the incident, sharing that he struggled with alcohol dependency and also cared for his mother, who is battling cancer. Nonetheless, the mitigation did little to sway the judge from imposing a custodial sentence.
Handing down the verdict, Judge Celia Hughes sentenced Kent to 34 months’ imprisonment, alongside a driving disqualification extending to three years and five months. The court also heard that Kent had existing convictions, though none related to traffic offences.
This harrowing case serves as a somber reminder of the grave risks associated with drink-driving. It has resulted in lasting consequences for an innocent woman and delivered yet another warning about the dangers of impaired judgement behind the wheel. Road safety campaigners continue to urge the public never to drive under the influence, as the impact of such choices can reverberate far beyond the driver alone.