Neil Lewis, 47, has confessed to fraud by false representation after a car he wrongly passed for its MOT was involved in a fatal collision. The crash claimed the lives of Eve Smith, 21, Darcy Ross, 21, and the driver, Rafel Jeanne, 24. The vehicle, a Volkswagen Tiguan, also carried Sophie Russon, 20, and Shane Loughlin, 32, who were found alive but trapped in the wreckage.
The families of the victims had reported them missing on the evening of March 4, after they had traveled from Newport, Gwent, to a caravan park in Porthcawl. The vehicle was discovered in a wooded area in St Mellons, Cardiff, two days later.
Outside Cardiff Magistrates' Court, the family of Darcy Ross confronted Lewis, holding a framed photograph of her and calling out her name. Lewis, of Ely, Cardiff, appeared in court following an extensive police investigation.
Prosecutor Francesca Parry stated that the Volkswagen had previously been in a crash in Scotland in 2021, sustaining damage to its nearside wing and experiencing airbag and seatbelt warning light malfunctions. The vehicle was sold to a salvage company and then to a friend of Rafel Jeanne without any work being done on it.
On February 9, 2023, the car failed its MOT due to issues with the seatbelts and a fault light indicating a problem with either the seatbelt or the airbag. Lewis subsequently conducted a re-test and passed the vehicle with advisories. Messages found on Lewis's phone to the car's owner indicated awareness of the seatbelt and airbag light issues, stating, "I've passed the car though."
Lewis pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and is scheduled for sentencing on August 19. In a statement before the hearing, Darcy Ross's family expressed their desire for justice and accountability, stating, "We want justice for Darcy. We want the truth to come out about what caused her injuries and death. We want anyone who caused or contributed to her death to be held accountable."
The five occupants had reportedly been drinking alcohol and inhaling laughing gas before the crash. Six police officers faced misconduct allegations related to the investigation, with two subsequently cleared.
