Man jailed for causing death by dangerous driving

A 24 year old man from Cwmbran has been sentenced today to 7 years imprisonment for causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop.

Thomas Hughes was driving a Mercedes Sprinter Van the wrong way down the M4 near junction 25a at Newport in the early hours of Sunday 5th April when he collided with a Nissan Micra. The driver of the Micra, 45 year old Kirk Butcher from Ebbw Vale, tragically died as a result.

OIC PC Darren Sullivan said: “This was a senseless and selfish act by the defendant, which took the life of an innocent man. Three young children have lost a father, Janet has lost her husband, and not forgetting the loss suffered by Kirk’s brother Lindsay, and his extended family and friends.

“Kirk was a key worker, returning home to his family at the end of a 12- hour shift, when Thomas Hughes, driving the wrong way on the motorway, collided with his vehicle.

“This tragedy was completely avoidable and Hughes will have to live with the consequences of his actions for the rest of his life, although that will provide little comfort to the Butcher family.

“Too many people die on our roads every year in senseless and often avoidable circumstances. I can only hope that the sentence passed today, will act as a deterrent to anyone intent on driving in such a dangerous and reckless manner.

“On behalf of myself, the team investigating this case and Gwent Police, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Janet and her family.

“I would also like to thank all those who provided information to assist in the investigation, leading to the arrest and subsequent conviction of Thomas Hughes.”

Thomas Hughes has also been disqualified from driving for five years from the time of his release,