Brothers were racing each other before Welshpool crash where dad died, court told

Abubakr Yusaf and Umar Yusaf deny causing the death of Rhys Jenkins, 41, a rugby referee, from Deuddw, Powys, by dangerous driving on the A483 in November 2024

Glyn Bellis 14:48, 01 Jun 2026Updated 15:17, 01 Jun 2026

Rhys Jenkins, 41, died after a crash(Image: Dyfed-Powys Police)

Two brothers accused of causing a smash in which a dad died and his nine-year-old son was seriously injured had been racing each other, a court heard today (Monday, June 1).

Abubakr Yusaf, 31, a locum optometrist, and Umar Yusaf, 35, both of Esmond Road, Manchester, deny causing the death of Rhys Jenkins, 41, a rugby referee, from Deuddw, Powys, by dangerous driving on the A483 in November 2024.

They also deny causing serious injury by dangerous driving and Abubakr Yusaf was allegedly uninsured.

The defendants were driving BMW and Audi cars between 6pm and 6.30pm on November 16, 2024, when the tragedy occurred south of Welshpool, Mold crown court heard.

Outlining the case, prosecutor David Mainstone said: "This tragic incident was caused when Abubakr Yusaf's speed and reckless overtaking manoeuvres caused him to lose control of the BMW. When he attempted to correct that loss of control the BMW veered completely into the oncoming lane.

Mr Jenkins had no opportunity to take evasive action or otherwise avoid the collision."

He and his son paid "the terrible price." Abubakr Yusaf had been "egged on" by his brother, the prosecutor said.

Van driver Ryan Jones said lights had approached quickly behind him and a BMW overtook him at a bend. He told the jury :"It was unbelievably reckless and dangerous." He said there was a "blind" corner and no need to perform the manoeuvre, with a long straight stretch of road ahead.

Mr Jones said there was a "deep thud" when the collision occurred. A Toyota Yaris spun and ended in a ditch.

The injured boy, called Ioan, had been unconscious, the witness said.

Mr Mainstone asked Mr Jones whether he was surprised by what happened.

He replied: "No. It was inevitable. You can't be driving that fast on those roads."

The prosecutor said Ioan was flown by air ambulance to Alder Hey children's hospital, Liverpool.

Mr Mainstone said the brothers were racing and a car crash waiting to happen. "Both were responsible for the fatal collision," he alleged.

Other eyewitnesses believed they were racing each other.

After the smash, the Audi had stopped in front of the heavily damaged BMW. The brothers left the scene after one had said :"Come on let's go, let's go," the prosecutor claimed.

After being arrested, they declined to answer police questions.

The jury heard the BMW had travelled on to the nearside verge before "fishtailing", going out of control into the oncoming lane. Airbag data showed the BMW was travelling in excess of 63mph at the moment of impact, the prosecution said.

The prosecutor said on a straight stretch of road the back of the BMW began to "fishtail" from side to side.

The wheels allegedly went on the verge and the driver lost control.

The BMW "ploughed' into the Toyota, pushing it back.

Mr Jenkins died at the scene.

The trial continues.