Woman died in crash after drivers’ race, court hears

A 20-YEAR-OLD woman was killed in a crash after the driver of the car she was travelling in became involved in a “race” which saw him reach speeds of 80mph in a residential area, a court has heard.

- PHILIP DEWEY

> Sophie Brimble

‘The driver was left with “life-changing injuries’ which meant he was not fit to stand trial.

Sophie Brimble 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. She was the front seat passenger of the vehicle when Bayliss allegedly lost control of the car on the A4047 and crashed into a lamp post.

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

In his opening to the court, 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.