A man has been jailed after deliberately placing bricks across a dark and busy section of the A483, causing multiple cars to crash into the obstruction on New Year’s Eve. The shocking incident unfolded on 31 December 2024, between the villages of Pool Quay and Arddlin in Powys, Wales, leaving motorists shaken and their vehicles severely damaged.
Caernarfon Crown Court heard how Lee Wright, aged 38 and homeless at the time, set the bricks across a single carriageway of the A483, a stretch of road well-travelled by locals and commuters alike. The particular portion of road lacked street lighting and, on the night in question, was particularly damp—factors that contributed to the drivers’ inability to spot and avoid the bricks ahead.
The court was told by prosecutor Dafydd Roberts that three cars were involved in separate collisions shortly after 7.25pm, as all unexpectedly struck the bricks lying in their path. All three vehicles suffered burst tyres, with drivers completely unaware of the hazard until it was too late to avert disaster. The sudden loss of control resulted in distress and fear for those at the wheel, with the aftermath being recorded by police body cameras.
Police swiftly attended the scene, finding Wright still loitering nearby as they assisted the affected motorists. Bodycam footage presented in court captured both the alarm of the drivers and Wright’s own interactions with officers. He was frank in his admission, telling police that he had put the bricks on the road, and appeared disoriented during questioning, commenting that the cars “weren’t acting very normal” and referring to them as “invisible”.
Wright, who has a history of previous offences including theft and criminal damage, was already subject to a community order at the time of this most recent incident. Defence barrister Amy Edwards revealed that her client has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, a serious mental health condition. She told the court Wright has no memory of committing the offence and, since being prescribed medication, has shown marked improvement. Edwards also noted Wright’s early guilty pleas and highlighted that he has been cooperating with authorities.
The judge, His Honour Timothy Petts, did not underestimate the danger Wright’s actions posed. Sentencing him to one year and eight months behind bars—with up to half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence—Judge Petts described the crime as “very, very dangerous”. He observed that the drivers involved in the collisions stood little chance of avoiding the bricks, emphasising the potentially devastating consequences had faster-moving or more heavily laden vehicles been involved.
The judge acknowledged the psychiatric dimension to the case, stating that Wright’s mental health played a clear role in the events. However, in light of the gravity of the offences and the potential risk to the public, Judge Petts decided that only a custodial sentence could be justified.
This case throws into sharp relief the vulnerability of road users, especially in rural areas where lighting is sparse and weather can amplify risks. It also highlights the intersection between mental health issues and criminal behaviour, raising important questions about how society and the justice system respond to such complex circumstances.
No injuries to the drivers or further traffic incidents were reported on this occasion, although the outcome could easily have been much worse given the speeds permitted on this stretch of road. The judge’s remarks reflected the community’s collective relief that the outcome was not a tragic one.
Wright’s imprisonment serves as a stark warning about the potential consequences of reckless actions on public roads, but also points to the continued need for support and intervention for those suffering with serious mental illnesses. The case remains a sobering reminder of the hazards faced by motorists and the unpredictable dangers that can arise in the most familiar of settings.