A driver of a modified Land Rover caused a crash in Pwllheli, resulting in serious harm. The driver received a suspended sentence.
Geraint Priestley’s Land Rover crossed lanes and collided with a Peugeot car near Pwllheli in 2022. As a result of the crash, one person lost consciousness and suffered fractured bones, while his wife broke her wrist and sustained other injuries.
Priestley, now 21, admitted to careless driving. The incident occurred on Boxing Day in 2022 when Paul and Linda Baker traveled with her son, Daniel, driving from Nefyn toward Caernarfon.
Dashcam footage revealed that the Land Rover lost control, crossed into their lane, and crashed head-on. Someone called 999, and emergency services arrived at the scene on the 50mph road.
Brian Grocott investigated the accident but could not pinpoint the exact cause. He suggested it was likely a combination of speed and steering that led to the crash.
Police discovered problems with the Land Rover, including a corroded brake disc and a missing propeller shaft, changing it from four-wheel to two-wheel drive. The speedometer was also not working at the time of the crash.
Both vehicles sustained significant damage, and the Peugeot was written off entirely. Mr. Baker reported that he believes he blacked out instantly upon impact.
He broke his collar bone, breast bone, and elbow, requiring six hours of surgery. He remained in the hospital for five nights and still feels self-conscious about his scars.
Mrs. Baker broke her wrist, which doctors put back into place. She also suffered bruising to her chest, stomach, and legs.
Mr. Barnsley experienced whiplash and pain from the incident. The prosecutor deemed the driving unsafe.
Elen Owen defended Priestley, stating that he deeply regrets the injuries caused and sends his sympathy to the Bakers.
Ms. Owen stated that he was unaware of the brake disc issue. She added that removing the shaft isn’t illegal and experts said the speedometer was not dangerous.
Expert witnesses suggested his speed could have been between 54.6 and 60.7mph, but determining the exact speed proved impossible. Priestley is described as a hardworking dairy farm worker who had a good reputation prior to the incident.
Judge Niclas Parry addressed Priestley, stating that he viewed his car as a toy and that he modified it without proper qualifications. He displayed a disregard for road safety and could not control his Land Rover, causing harm to innocent people.
The judge acknowledged that he was immature then, but he is a good worker now. The judge gave Priestley ten months jail time per charge, suspending the sentence for 18 months.
The judge also required 200 hours of unpaid work. Priestley lost his license for 16 months and must pass an extended retest afterwards.