Llanidloes man jailed following fatal road collision

A 35-year-old man from Llanidloes has been jailed for 14 months following a road traffic collision near Rhayader which claimed the life of a woman in December 2024.

David William Owen was sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 7 October, after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving.

The sentence comprises 12 months for causing death by careless driving and a further two months relating to a separate drug driving offence following an arrest in January 2026.

The fatal collision happened on the A470 between Rhayader and Doldowlod on Tuesday, 3 December 2024.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of a single-vehicle collision at approximately 1.40pm.

Charlotte Beynon, from Burry Port, was a passenger in a white BMW M235 which collided with a bridge just outside Rhayader.

She was taken to hospital but died from her injuries on Monday, 9 December 2024.

Owen pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court on 8 July 2026.

Following the sentencing, PC Lucy Brookes, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “Today’s sentencing marks the end of a lengthy investigation into a collision which tragically claimed the life of a young woman.

“Charlotte touched the lives of so many people and will forever be missed. Charlotte’s family have showed huge strength throughout this investigation - a fitting tribute to a life taken far too soon.

“This incident is a reminder that the choices we make behind the wheel can have life-changing and devastating consequences.”