Ronald Dowling, 66, has been given a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to causing death and serious injury by careless driving. The incident on 26 October 2023 at New Inn, Pontypool, resulted in the death of Sharon Berry and left two others, including Dowling's wife, with extensive injuries.
Merthyr Crown Court heard that Dowling, from Caerphilly, was driving at 76mph in heavy rain and high levels of surface water when he overtook a vehicle, aquaplaned, and hit Sharon Berry's stationary car. Sharon Berry died in January 2024 after suffering catastrophic injuries.
Dowling was sentenced to 27 months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also disqualified from driving for four years, ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid community work, and pay £1,630 in prosecution costs.