Unlicensed cabbie left teen with horror injuries

A BUS driver moonlighting as an unlicensed taxi driver crashed into a teenager walking home, causing horrific leg injuries, a court has heard.

- JASON EVANS Court and crime reporter

As a result of Jarrad Wicks’ driving, the boy had to have part of his leg amputated and his life has been turned upside down.

Merthyr Crown Court heard the 16-year-old victim had enjoyed playing football, boxing and riding his bike before the crash and had just embarked on an apprenticeship, but all that was changed in a moment.

The victim’s mum said she is very proud of the resilience her son has shown.

Rebecca Griffiths, prosecuting, told the court on the night of October 22, 2022, Wicks was using a VW Caddy van to operate an unlicensed taxi business when he responded to a request put out on Snapchat to ferry a party-of-five from Pentre to the Squares club in Porth.

A price of £20 was agreed and the defendant picked up his fare.

The court heard the passengers got into the rear cargo area of the van - which did not have seats or seatbelts - and Wicks set off, with a youth who was helping him beside him in the front passenger seat.

The court heard that as the Caddy headed for Porth it was seen to suddenly swerve across the road and mount the pavement, hitting a 16-year-old boy who was walking home after spending the evening watching TV with friends. The van then collided with a wall before spinning back into the road.