A Carmarthenshire court has found a van driver guilty of causing serious injury by careless driving following a 2025 trial. The driver was sentenced to 10 months in prison and a 20-month driving ban.
The conviction stems from an incident where a young girl, Gracie, was struck by a van while riding her bicycle. Her mother, Emma, described the event as a "worst nightmare," recalling how the driver "took Gracie right under the vehicle on her bike." Emma stated she "jumped in front of the van" in an attempt to stop it.
Gracie sustained severe injuries in the crash, including a collapsed lung, broken scapula, broken ribs, a fractured pelvis, liver lacerations, a damaged kidney, and a head injury. She required surgery to reattach her ear and scalp and underwent a two-year rehabilitation period, during which she wore a special suit to aid her recovery and regain independent mobility.
Following the incident, Gracie spent five days in a coma. The case proceeded to trial, where the driver's culpability was determined. The sentencing took place at Swansea Crown Court.