**Teen Jailed for Deliberately Hitting Football Fan with Car, Victim Needed Portion of Skull Removed**
A teenager has been sent to a young offenders’ institution after deliberately driving his car into a group of people, seriously injuring a football supporter, in an incident that has left the victim with life-altering injuries.
The case, heard at Swansea Crown Court, detailed how Mitchel Jones, now 18, struck a 20-year-old Swansea City supporter following the club’s match against rivals Cardiff City. The shocking episode took place in March last year and has since left devastating consequences for both the victim and his family.
According to prosecutor Emily Bennett, the night had started amicably, with the victim and his friends watching the football match and later visiting several local pubs. Towards the end of the evening, the group found themselves on Approach Road, outside the Gatehouse pub, hoping for a taxi to continue their night out. It was here that Jones, who had arrived in his Volkswagen Polo, began behaving in an aggressive manner, reportedly revving his engine, mounting pavements, and appearing to intimidate the group of fans.
Tensions between Jones and a member of the victim’s group are understood to have existed prior to the incident, though the full details were not disclosed during the hearing. Onlookers saw the situation deteriorate as items were thrown at Jones’ car, including a glass bottle, and debris was placed on the road in an effort to deter him. The altercation escalated rapidly, culminating in Jones swerving his car and striking the victim before fleeing the scene.
Police and emergency medics arrived swiftly and found the young man suffering from multiple grave injuries. He was rushed to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where it was determined he had suffered a fractured skull, bleeding on the brain, a fractured arm and shoulder, and a dislocated elbow. Such was the severity of his head injury that surgeons were forced to remove part of his skull to alleviate pressure on his brain—a procedure that has left the young man with permanent hearing loss in one ear and enduring physical effects.
In an emotional victim impact statement read to the court, the injured supporter shared how the incident had upended his life. Once an active and sociable young man full of prospects and optimism, the attack had “shattered” his future plans. He expressed deep gratitude to the medical team who saved his life and the friends and family who supported him during his recovery, yet lamented the apparent lack of remorse from Jones.
The victim’s mother also addressed the court, describing the heart-stopping moment she received a call about her son. She had braced herself for minor injuries, only to confront an unimaginable scene in Cwmbwrla: her son lying gravely hurt, the victim of a deliberate act. She emphasised the profound impact the incident had on her son’s confidence and well-being, but praised his resilience and the family’s pride in his strength.
Mitchel Jones, who had just turned 18 at the time of sentencing and had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. His legal representative insisted that the defendant was remorseful, noting that he had kept a low profile since the attack.
Sentencing, Judge Catherine Richards made it clear that Jones’ use of his car was akin to wielding a dangerous weapon. She acknowledged Jones was only 17 when the crime was committed but, due to his age at sentencing, he would serve time as an adult. With credit given for his guilty plea, Jones was sentenced to 40 months’ detention, of which he will serve up to 40% in custody before being released on licence for the remainder. Additionally, he was banned from driving for three years and three months.
This distressing case has again highlighted the far-reaching consequences of violence and the life-changing impacts that a split-second decision can produce, serving as a sobering reminder for communities and young people alike.