A driver from Caerphilly who lost control of his car while “showing off” at speed, resulting in the tragic death of a dog walker, has been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. The incident occurred when Daniel Boucher, 28, lost control of his red Peugeot 207, which flipped onto its side and fatally struck 66-year-old David Chaplin, who was out walking his dogs.
The fatal collision took place on 18 April 2023 as Boucher left a premises on Whitebeam industrial estate in Nelson, Caerphilly, shortly after five in the evening. Witnesses described how Boucher was heard revving his car engine multiple times and discussing the power and modifications of his vehicle with a colleague before speeding off. It was understood from court proceedings that Boucher was particularly enthusiastic about the vehicle’s turbocharged engine, boasting brake horsepower of up to 170.
As Boucher exited the industrial estate onto Ty Du Road, a witness said he accelerated aggressively while taking a left-hand bend at speed. The prosecution argued that Boucher was “showing off”, a claim corroborated by his co-worker who had been following behind in another vehicle. The driver lost control of the car, causing his rear tyres to slip and the vehicle to slide sideways across the road. The Peugeot mounted the pavement, collided with a lamppost, and then overturned, coming to rest on the driver’s side on a grass verge.
Mr Chaplin, a local resident known to enjoy walking his dogs, was struck while walking in the opposite direction. He was found unconscious and gravely injured on the grass verge. Emergency services were quickly on the scene, but despite their best efforts, Mr Chaplin succumbed to his injuries, which a pathologist described as “multiple traumatic injuries”.
Witnesses and colleagues reported that Boucher remained at the scene, visibly in shock and suffering a head injury himself. He was said to have expressed deep remorse, telling officers, “I lost control of the car,” and later, “What have I done, I’m sorry,” upon being informed of Mr Chaplin’s death. Despite pleading not guilty to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving, Boucher admitted to the lesser charge of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving. However, a jury at Cardiff Crown Court returned a guilty verdict for the more serious offence.
Judge Vanessa Francis, presiding over the trial, commended the jury for their service and confirmed that Boucher would face a custodial sentence. She granted conditional bail for the defendant, allowing time for a pre-sentence report to be compiled and for Boucher to organise his personal matters. Sentencing has been scheduled to take place at Cardiff Crown Court on 23 June.
The case has drawn significant local attention, especially due to its distressing circumstances and the tragic loss of life involved. Road safety campaigners have reiterated calls for drivers to respect speed limits and avoid reckless behaviour behind the wheel. Many in the community have expressed their condolences to Mr Chaplin’s family, remembering him as a friendly and familiar figure often seen walking his dogs in the area.
This incident underscores the devastating and irreversible consequences that can result from a moment of poor judgement at the wheel. Authorities continue to stress the importance of driving responsibly and within the law, and warn that those who ignore these rules face the gravest of outcomes and legal repercussions.
The sentencing hearing is expected to consider the full impact on the family of Mr Chaplin and the wider community. Meanwhile, the case remains a stark reminder of the perils of dangerous driving and the importance of prioritising the safety of others at all times.