A DRIVER killed his girlfriend in a 90mph horror crash after smashing into a lamppost while taking part in an “impromptu” race.
Jay Bayliss, 32, was Sophie Brimble, 20, in his Volkswagen Polo when he began competing against Neil Brooks.
Sophie Brimble was killed in the horror crashCredit: WNS
Jay Bayliss has been found responsible for causing her deathCredit: WNS
The “aggressive” 32-year-old went the wrong way around a roundabout and sped through residential streets at 90mph.
He then lost control on a bend and smashed into a lamppost – killing tragic Sophie.
Although the crash took place in 2017, Bayliss was deemed not fit to stand trial due to the injuries he sustained.
A jury has now found he caused Sophie’s death by .
Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe told Newport Crown : “Bayliss had got himself involved in an impromptu race with a man called Neil Brooks.
“Bayliss was driving the car in front, Neil Brooks was driving behind him – both driving at excessive speed.”
The pair raced along a single carriageway road between Ebbw Vale and Brynmawr in .
Bayliss was described as “travelling way above the speed limit” as he sought to take the lead.
He then “lost control, his car began to rotate and it slid towards and collided with a lamppost”.
Mr Cobbe said: “The result was a catastrophe.”
A collision investigator estimated Bayliss was travelling at a speed close to 90mph on the 30mph road when he passed a garage shortly before he crashed.
Mr Cobbe continued: “Both Mr Bayliss and Mr Brooks were driving at excessive speeds and racing along the A4047.
“That racing and driving at excessive speed contributed to his loss of control and of course causing the death of Sophie.”
Brooks was jailed in September 2019 for eight years and disqualified from driving for five years following his release from .
Paying tribute, Sophie’s family described her as “beautiful inside and out” and having a “sparkle that made her unique”.
They added: “From the moment she walked into a room it was as if the light shone a little brighter.
“Sophie was taken from us way too soon; it will be nine years in July which still feels like yesterday.
“Back in 2017, Sophie should have celebrated her 21st birthday and this October she should be celebrating her 30th.
“These special birthdays we wish we could have shared with her.
“Not only did we lose a precious member of our family, but we also lost a true friend, the kind of person whose presence you could never replace.
“Sophie is greatly missed every single day, in the quiet moments and the celebrations, in the laughter that reminds of us of her she was truly one of a kind, a beautiful soul that has left footprints on our hearts forever.
“Sophie will never be forgotten, with our treasured memories we hold close to our hearts, she will be forever loved.
“Sophie, our beautiful shining star.”
The case was adjourned for a further hearing to be held next month to determine the appropriate legal outcome.
Bayliss was driving Sophie in his Volkswagen when he took part in the raceCredit: WNS
Sophie was declared dead at the sceneCredit: WNS
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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