'Impromptu race' leaves family with 'a lifetime of pain'

THE sister of a young woman killed in a car crash in which the driver became involved in an "impromptu race" has paid tribute to her and described the "lifetime of pain" the family faced due to a decision made in seconds.

- PHILIP DEWEY Reporter [e-mail]

Sophie Brimble's boyfriend, who suffered "life-changing injuries", was found to have driven dangerously and caused the collision which ended her life.

Sophie, 20, from Crickhowell, died as a result of a collision in Brynmawr on July 26, 2017, in which she was travelling in a black Volkswagen Polo driven by Jay Bayliss, now 32, of Heol Onen, Brynmawr.

She was the front-seat passenger of the vehicle when Bayliss lost control of the car on the A4047 and crashed into a lamppost.

A trial at Newport Crown Court last week heard Bayliss became involved in an "impromptu" race with Neil Brooks, who was the driver of another car.

Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe said: "It's the prosecution's case Jay Bayliss was travelling way above the speed limit in the lead-up to the collision, at excessive speeds through residential areas in excess of 80mph. Neil Brooks, in the second car, was a very short distance behind him, matching Mr Bayliss for speed, until the last few moments.