'I can't babe I'm sorry' - dying man's last words to his partner at scene of fatal crash

THE partner of a motorist who was killed after a careless driver drove into the side of his car described how a "massive mistake" had "destroyed our family".

- PHILIP DEWEY

Sharon Griffiths also told the court how she and her sons "collapsed into each other in shock" after they rushed to the scene of the accident, where he lay dying.

Gareth Davies, 43, told Sharon, "I can't, babe, I'm sorry', as she tried to comfort him at the scene of the crash in Fochriw Road, Merthyr Tydfil, on April 13, 2023.

She was later joined by their sons at the side of the road as they were told "the worst news imaginable".

Cardiff Crown Court heard how Dale Groves' white Ford Ka smashed into the side of Mr Davies' black Renault Clio as Groves, 30, attempted an overtaking manoeuvre at the junction with Biffa Waste Management in Trecatti.

In the short time leading up to the crash, a convoy of three vehicles formed travelling along the road comprising a large oil tank lorry at the front, followed by Mr Davies' Renault in the middle and Groves' Ford at the back.

The tanker was driven by professional driver Jamie Cummings at around 25mph. Although Mr Cummings could not see Mr Davies' car in his mirrors, due to his blind spot, it was heard that he could see Groves' car "attempting to overtake him a number of times".

During a trial at Newport Crown Court, prosecutor Ieuan Bennett said: "By the time they reached the Biffa landfill site it seems the defendant, according to the prosecution, was determined to overtake both vehicles.

"What happened in reality was just as Mr Davies was turning right into the Biffa site across both lanes of the highway the defendant, at speed [and] travelling too close to the black car, drove right into the side of Mr Davies' vehicle in the overtaking lane.

"After the collision the defendant did his best to help, but by then of course it was too late."

To make the right turn into Biffa, it was heard Mr Davies had slowed down to between five and nine miles per hour while Groves was travelling at an estimated speed of between 46 and 50mph. The speed limit on the road is 60mph.