RHYDIAN GLYN LLOYD JONES of Lady Road, Llechryd, Cardigan, has today been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for causing death by dangerous driving.
This follows his guilty plea and conviction for causing the death of Marcus John Heighton, aged 31, years by dangerous driving on 21st September 2019.
The 52-year-old was also handed a four-year disqualification from driving with an extended test pass requirement when he appeared before Swansea Crown Court.
Jones pleaded guilty following a lengthy police investigation.
Mr Heighton had been riding his Honda CBR motor cycle along the A484 from Cenarth towards Llechryd on Saturday, 21st September 2019, when Mr Jones crossed the carriageway in his path, colliding with Mr Heighton, who was in his correct lane and riding in a safe manner.
Subsequent enquiries revealed that Mr Jones had been using his hand held mobile phone a short time before the collision. Mr Heighton sustained serious injuries and tragically died as a result of the collision.
The family of Mr Heighton said after the hearing: “Although sentencing has been passed, this will never bring Marcus home.
“We are relieved that the prosecution case is over and would like to thank everyone that was involved in this investigation.”
PC Eleri Edwards, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Heighton at this difficult time.
“This case brings a stark reminder to all motorist the absolute need to drive responsibly at all times. The inattention of motorists costs the lives of innocent people.
“His Honour Judge Geraint Walters commented that the use of the mobile phone by Mr Jones played an aggravating part in this tragedy.
“We hope that this sentence will bring some form of closure to the family as they continue to grieve for Marcus.”
