A young motorcyclist’s reckless behaviour at a car park in Newport led to a horrifying incident that left his girlfriend with a broken pelvis. 20-year-old Thomas Jenkins was said to be “showing off” at a car meet event held at East Retail Park, where around 200 people had gathered. During the gathering, Jenkins was seen performing dangerous stunts like wheelies on his Kawasaki motorbike. The situation took a tragic turn when Jenkins collided with a car, throwing his girlfriend, Sophie Harrison, off the bike and causing her serious injury.
The events leading up to the accident were described in detail during a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court. Jenkins, who was not wearing a helmet, was reportedly riding around the car park erratically, revving his engine and pulling wheelies. Despite the driver of the Ford Focus trying to avoid the collision by braking, Jenkins crashed into the vehicle, causing his girlfriend to be thrown onto the car’s bonnet and into nearby bushes. The impact left her unconscious and later diagnosed with a broken pelvis after being taken to the hospital.
Following the crash, Jenkins identified himself to the authorities and admitted to not seeing the approaching car. It was also noted by officers that a skid mark was visible on the wrong side of the road, indicating the severity of the collision. In court, Jenkins pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving. Despite having a clean record prior to this incident, Jenkins had previous points on his driving licence for speeding.
During the sentencing, Judge Celia Hughes expressed her dismay at Jenkins’ actions, labelling his behaviour as a “deliberate course of dangerous driving.” She highlighted the impact of his actions, stating that he had not only caused serious injury to his girlfriend but had also jeopardised his own future and lost his driving privileges. Jenkins was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. In addition to the suspended sentence, he was ordered to perform 100 hours of unpaid work, pay £200 in compensation, and face an 18-month driving ban.
In her defence of Jenkins, barrister Hannah Friedman emphasised that her client was remorseful and deeply affected by the consequences of his actions. She described Jenkins as feeling “horrific” and “guilty beyond belief” about the collision. Friedman also mentioned Jenkins’ aspirations to pursue studies in aeronautics at the University of South Wales and his continued relationship with his girlfriend despite the incident.
The judge’s final remarks highlighted the gravity of Jenkins’ actions and the repercussions he now faced. Judge Hughes pointed out how Jenkins’ dangerous driving had not only caused harm to his girlfriend but had also tarnished his character and potentially altered his future prospects. The sentence handed down aimed to serve as a deterrent and a reminder of the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of reckless driving and the serious consequences that can arise from irresponsible behaviour on the road. It underscores the importance of road safety and the need for individuals to exercise caution and responsibility while driving, not only for their own sake but for the safety of others on the road.