Delivery Driver Sentenced for Fatal Hit-and-Run
A delivery driver who struck and left a dog walker to die in a hit-and-run incident days before Christmas has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
The victim, Aaron Jones, 38, from Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire, was found deceased in a churchyard on 23 December 2024.
Jones, a father of two, was walking his dog when he was hit by Daniel Wyke, a takeaway delivery driver. The impact propelled Jones over a churchyard wall.
Swansea Crown Court heard that Wyke, 28, from Llanybri, Carmarthen, left Jones "dead or dying" and continued with his deliveries instead of assisting.
Court Proceedings and Evidence
Prosecutor Ian Wright stated that "brave and sustained efforts were made to revive" Jones, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jones' family described their experience since the incident as facing a "life sentence of loss."
Wyke was arrested on 24 December and charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
In February, Wyke pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving but denied a separate charge of dangerous driving on Water Street, Carmarthen.
Judge's Remarks and Sentencing
On Monday, Judge Paul Thomas condemned Wyke's conduct as "cruelly inhumane."
"You would have clearly seen Jones on the road. You quite simply prioritised evading responsibility for what you had done. You were far more intent on saving your own skin,"
the judge stated.
"You left him dead or dying to carry on with your deliveries."
Judge Thomas also noted Wyke's persistent dishonesty over many months, stating he could not accept the "genuineness of your remorse."
Details of the Incident
Wright informed the court that Jones was wearing a high-visibility jacket while walking the family Labrador on his usual route around the village.
The road in Llanpumsaint where the collision occurred is a 20mph zone, described as "a wide single lane with no single white lines," sufficiently wide for two vehicles to pass in opposite directions.
Wyke was driving approximately 34mph at the time, with no evidence of heavy braking or steering before the collision.
A large piece of plastic, believed to be a bumper, was found on the road.
The family dog was discovered by a passer-by who contacted Jones' wife, prompting a search that led to the discovery of Jones' body near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel in the local church grounds, where he was pronounced dead.
The cause of death was a blunt head injury.
Wright said,
"He [Wyke] returned to his vehicle and drove away from the scene, carrying on with his deliveries."
Wyke was driving a Vauxhall Crossland X. He briefly returned to the scene but fled again.
Wright added,
"The defendant must have seen Aaron Jones be projected over the wall. Had he looked over the wall he would have seen Aaron Jones submerged in a small body of water. He did not remain and did not assist in identifying the location of Aaron Jones."
Wyke then returned to New China Takeaway in Carmarthen and told another delivery driver that he had hit a branch or a tree.
The court heard Wyke appeared agitated and was concerned about how he would finance repairs to his car. He stated he would continue deliveries using his father's car.
It remains unknown whether Jones could have survived if he had received immediate assistance after the crash.
Family Statements
Maria Steadman, Jones' mother, described her son as "the first person everyone turned to for moral support or advice" and said he "excelled at everything he turned his hand to."
His wife, Lisa Haf, expressed disbelief at Wyke's remorse, stating,
"I do not believe that the defendant is remorseful. The hard work of the police has backed him into a corner."
Steadman addressed Wyke directly, saying,
"What I find unforgivable is how someone could flee the scene, Aaron's life may have been saved. You have taken away from me my only child. As a family we now face a life sentence of loss."
Haf described Jones as "the love of my life" and said her "whole world collapsed" on the day of his death.
She added that their children, aged nine and 11, are now "scared" to take the dog for walks and "flinch at every sound."
"People say I should heal myself, but I'm nothing without Aaron. The only thing keeping me going is our children,"
she said.
The children described their father as "amazing," "perfect," and a "hero," expressing a desire to have him back even for "one more hug."
Defendant's Statements and Driving Ban
At the time of his arrest on 24 December 2024, Wyke maintained that he was unaware he had hit anyone.
Defence barrister Dyfed Thomas explained that this falsehood was "made and maintained in a state of panic."
Wyke was disqualified from driving for eight years and three months and will be required to pass an extended driving test before regaining his license.
