A delivery driver who left a man to die in a hit-and-run days before Christmas has been locked up for four and a half years.
Aaron Jones Killed While Walking His Dog
Aaron Jones, 38, a father of two from Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire, was found dead in a churchyard on December 23, 2024. The beloved dad was walking his dog when takeaway driver Daniel Wyke, 28, from Llanybri, Carmarthen, struck him, sending him over a churchyard wall.
Swansea Crown Court heard Wyke saw Jones but coldly chose to drive off “dead or dying” rather than help. He then carried on with his deliveries as if nothing had happened.
Judge Slams ‘Cruelly Inhumane’ Driver
Judge Paul Thomas blasted Wyke’s actions as “cruelly inhumane” and said the driver clearly saw Jones on the road. “You prioritised evading responsibility for what you had done. You were far more intent on saving your own skin,” the judge said. “You left him dead or dying to carry on with your deliveries.”
Family Grapples with Heartbreaking Loss
“What I find unforgivable is how someone could flee the scene, Aaron’s life may have been saved,” said Aaron’s mother Maria Steadman. “You have taken away from me my only child. As a family we now face a life sentence of loss.”
His wife, Lisa Haf, spoke of her devastation: “I do not believe that the defendant is remorseful. The hard work of the police has backed him into a corner.” She revealed their children, aged nine and 11, are now “scared” to walk the dog 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,” Haf added.
The children describe their dad as “amazing,” “perfect,” and a “hero,” and “just want him back even for an hour for one more hug.”
Wyke Arrested and Tried
Wyke was arrested on Christmas Eve and charged with causing death by dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty to causing death but denied dangerous driving on Water Street, Carmarthen.
The judge concluded: “Your driving cost the life of a well-loved father of two young children and adored husband and son. Aaron Jones is simply irreplaceable in all their lives.”
