BMW driver jailed for killing street cleaner in high-speed crash
Ricky Perkins has been sentenced to five years in prison for causing the death of a street cleaner after driving at nearly double the speed limit on a wet road
A BMW driver has been sentenced to five years in prison for causing the death of a street cleaner after driving at nearly double the speed limit on a wet road.
Ricky Perkins, 32, was traveling at 93mph on a rainy morning when he lost control of his vehicle and struck 49-year-old Byron Jeans, who was standing in a layby waiting for a lift to work.
The incident occurred in a 50mph zone near a busy motorway junction on January 20, 2021.
Newport Crown Court heard that Perkins was on his way to work just before 6am when he drove into Mr. Jeans after losing control of his car, which mounted the grass verge.
Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe revealed that Perkins' BMW was traveling at 93mph at the point of impact, causing it to slide out of control and crash into Mr. Jeans and a nearby lamp post, which fell onto the carriageway.
The car came to a rest 100 meters away from the scene.
In Newport Crown Court, Michelle Jeans, Byron's wife, described Byron as "the joker of the pack" who always made her laugh and "had a way of making you feel better about yourself."
She stating that Perkins had not only taken one life but had "destroyed half a dozen in the process."
"I feel part of my life is missing."
Perkins had previously pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
Addressing Perkins, Judge Khan stated that his driving was "highly inappropriate for the prevailing weather conditions" and that he should have been more cautious.
Perkins, from Maesteg, Bridgend, was sentenced to five years in prison and disqualified from driving for five years and six months.
He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £190.
Millie Davies from the CPS commented, "The CPS used data from the airbag along with eyewitness accounts to show that the defendant was driving too fast.
"The combination of speed and poor weather conditions resulted in Perkins losing control of the vehicle, which had tragic consequences. Our thoughts remain with Byron’s family and friends."