A five-year-old girl was hit by a driver speeding across a Cardiff road. He drove off but later turned himself in.
Casey, her mom Rachel, and brother Warren were leaving a park. Dwyer drove toward them from Langham Way’s junction. He knew the family. Dwyer passed a car, lost control, and hit Casey. She was riding her pink scooter.
CCTV footage showed the event. Dwyer said he dropped his cigarette. This was during the March 3 court hearing. The judge said that did not matter. Casey was lucky not to be hurt badly.
Prosecutor Mari Watkins said Rachel heard a loud car. Then she saw Dwyer speeding across the road. He drove onto the pavement and hit Casey. Dwyer then drove away. A witness, Rob Simkins, saw the aftermath.
He told police Casey’s helmet fell off. She went to the hospital. She recovered fully physically. The incident caused Casey to have PTSD. She also lost her confidence.
CCTV showed Dwyer leaving his car nearby to flee. He was banned from driving at the time. He drove his mom’s car. He did not have her permission. Dwyer called Casey’s dad.
He said, “I dropped a fag. I hit kid.” He turned himself in on April 25. He then chose to say “no comment.” His lawyer said he pleaded guilty earlier. Rachel read a statement to the court.
She described the event’s devastating impact. Casey had bruises and scratches. She called Casey a lucky and unlucky girl. The hospital records confirmed this. Casey is now scared of cars and roads.
Before, she existed as a happy, confident child. She rode her scooter to school daily. Now, she stays close to her mother. Casey awaits counseling from Barnardo’s.
Rachel knows Dwyer, as they went to school together. She explained it feels worse knowing the person. Also, Dwyer shrugged when they bumped into each other. Dwyer had prior convictions or offenses.
These included drunk driving and driving without insurance. These also included driving while disqualified or careless driving. He was also charged with battery. His lawyer stated he showed insight.
He knew he was lucky his actions weren’t worse. She mentioned Dwyer feared prison. Pictures showed the opposite of his fear. The judge said Dwyer showed “cowardice.”
Also, they agreed that he would be caught. He phoned the dad, then stayed silent. The judge sentenced Dwyer to 14 months. He will spend half in prison. Rachel felt they got justice.
However, Casey needs therapy still. Now, they can try to live their lives. The court removed a restriction on reporting. This helped to keep Casey anonymous.
The judge noted the event happened in public view. He saw no harm to the child in reporting. Open justice principles matter.