Son speaks out after death crash (From South Wales Guardian)

Son speaks out after death crash

9:43am Wednesday 15th July 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

THE SON of a Cwmgwili businessman killed when his car was involved in collision with a police vehicle has spoken for the first time about the accident.

Eighteen-year-old Ashley Bowen – one of Wales’ most promising young swimmers – was seriously injured in the crash which claimed the life of his father, Roger, at the notorious Cwmgwili A48 junction just yards from their family home Speaking on S4C’s Y Byd Ar Bedwar, the teenager described the moments leading up to the collision.

He said: I saw a white light coming at us really quickly.

“I don’t recall seeing any blue lights or hearing a siren.

“I don’t blame the police driver. He was only doing his job and he has to live with his conscience.”

An investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission ruled the driver was pursuing a motorist clocked at 88mph on a radar gun at the time of the crash.

It decided that he was acting in accordance with police policy and referred the case back to Dyfed Powys Police.

But Ashley said police should not launch high-speed pursuits on a dual carriageway with numerous crossing points.

His family is now campaigning for the Cwmgwili junction to be permanently closed as “a lasting legacy” to Mr Bowen.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)