A takeaway driver slammed into a dad-of-two walking his dog – then left him to die just two days before Christmas. The victim, 38-year-old Aaron Jones, was found dead in a churchyard pond in Llanpumsaint after the hit-and-run on 23 December 2024.
Daniel Wyke Jailed for Four and a Half Years
28-year-old Daniel Wyke from Carmarthen was sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars for causing Aaron’s death. After the collision, Wyke shockingly fled the scene to carry on his delivery rounds, leaving neighbours to discover Mr Jones’ body partially submerged.
Witnesses saw Wyke briefly check over a churchyard wall where Aaron lay before speeding off in his badly damaged car. The court heard the victim was in a high-vis jacket on a 20mph street lit road, but Wyke was driving 34mph when he hit him. There was no sign he had braked or swerved to avoid the crash.
Victim’s Family Left Heartbroken
“A gentle and loving soul,” said Aaron’s mother Maria Steadman. “My family now face a life sentence after losing our only son.”
Wyke initially claimed he thought he’d hit a tree branch, but later pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
Judge Condemns ‘Cruelly Inhumane’ Driver
Judge Paul Thomas KC tore into Wyke during sentencing:
“You drove 14mph over the limit and failed to see a man in a high-vis jacket walking his dog. You should have seen him from the length of a rugby pitch. Your blatant lack of attention cost a loving husband and father his life.
“After hitting Mr Jones, it was clear you’d caused serious injury. Instead of helping, you prioritised avoiding the consequences. That was cruelly inhumane.”
“You lied repeatedly, claiming to have hit a tree branch. I believe your remorse is self-pity, not true regret.”
Wyke was also banned from driving for eight years.
