Van driver jailed for 8 years for causing Powys biker’s death

Stephen Roberts, 34, collided with Alan Dawson [1] , who was riding his motorcycle between Rhayader and Newbridge-on-Wye on July 19, 2024. The collision occurred as Roberts, driving his works Ford Transit van, pulled out erratically to overtake a vehicle, unaware that Mr Dawson was overtaking him. Roberts did not stop afterwards and continued his journey home, but was arrested the following day - with evidence from his phone showing extensive internet searches relating to an A470 crash.

Court & Crime news Prosecutor Josh Schouler told Roberts' sentencing hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday, December 19, that Mr Dawson was riding his white Triumph Thruxton bike, and had been out for the day with friend Colin Farmer. "They had travelled from Aberedw [2] to Devil's Bridge and back home," said Mr Schouler.

"Stephen Roberts was driving a white work van and phone activity showed that at 1.30pm he was located at the Griffin Inn, Llyswen. "Two pints of lager were pictured and he was sitting at a table outside with another male. He later sent a picture message showing three pint glass emojis.

"There was later activity on Snapchat whilst he was driving. In the reflection of his sunglasses, he was seen holding his phone in one hand while driving the vehicle. "There were a series of videos recorded both before and after the collision.

One shows him coming off the road." After losing his wife several years ago. Alan Dawson had lived at a campsite near Aberedw and friend Colin 'Doody' Farmer, who was with him on the day he died, said he had become an (Image: Supplied)

Mr Schouler said the collision occurred at around 5pm as Roberts left Rhayader. "Michael Morris, who was driving ahead of the defendant, said he seemed agitated to overtake," he added. "Mr Thompson, driving a Mercedes, describes how Mr Roberts was driving close to him, tailgating.

"As he reached a straighter section of road, Mr Farmer and Mr Dawson approached from behind and overtook the van. "Mr Roberts lurched into the lane and hit Mr Dawson. He sent him careering into the verge and barrier, throwing him off the bike and down a very steep verge.

"All drivers stopped but Stephen Roberts did not. He continued his journey and did not return to the scene at any stage." Mr Dawson was pronounced dead [3] by paramedics at 5.38pm.

Roberts was stopped and arrested by police the following day, near Carmarthen. He was driving the same van. "His phone was seized and his internet history showed multiple searches for 'A470 RTC'," said Mr Schouler.

Roberts admitted one charge of causing death by dangerous driving last month. Alan was described by friends as having become "part of the furniture" in both Aberedw and at Boatside caravan and camping site, where he had lived permanently in the years before his death. (Image: Supplied) Mr Schouler read victim impact statements from both Mr Farmer and Mr Dawson's daughter, Michelle.

Mr Farmer said: "The collision ended the life of a true friend. A true hero. "After losing his wife several years ago he had lived at a campsite near Aberedw and become an integral part of the community there.

"It was a regular afternoon, stopping for lunch and an ice cream. That day changed my life forever and I will never be able to forget it. "I understand he did not set out to cause death.

My thoughts are with him, but he could and should have stopped." Mr Dawson's daughter said: "I have lost my father and day-to-day life has been incredibly hard. "I go to bed early because I am so utterly sad, when I used to be a live for the moment kind of person.

"My main issue is him driving off like my dad didn't matter. Since losing mum four years earlier my dad had been my rock. He (Roberts) chose to leave my dad to die."

The court heard Roberts has a drink driving conviction from 2016 and was jailed as a teenager for robbery. Acting for Roberts, of Newall Street, Abertillery, Emma Martin, said: "He knows the colossal harm and devastation he has caused to the friends and family of Alan Dawson.

"He is deeply remorseful and has tried to understand why he behaved in such a callous way. "He is a father and much-loved family man, and he has experienced trauma, almost exactly the same as this, as he lost a parent in a collision." Ms Martin said Roberts and his ex-wife had parted after he lost a thumb in an industrial accident, but he has maintained a close relationship with his five-year-old daughter.

"He has made preparations ahead of today's lengthy sentence," she said.

Judge Vanessa Francis jailed Roberts for eight years.

He was also disqualified from driving for five years, with an additional 5 years and 4-months extension - which allows the ban to extend past his period in custody - and must take an extended retest.

References

^ Alan Dawson (www.countytimes.co.uk)
^ Aberedw (www.countytimes.co.uk)
^ was pronounced dead (www.countytimes.co.uk)