Two brothers accused of causing a crash that killed a father and seriously injured his nine-year-old son had been racing each other and were a 'car crash waiting to happen', a jury has heard.
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 further denies causing death while uninsured.
Mold Crown Court heard the brothers were driving a BMW and an Audi between 6pm and 6:30pm on November 16, 2024, when the collision occurred on the A483 south of Welshpool. Prosecutor David Mainstone said Abubakr's 'speed and reckless overtaking manoeuvres caused him to lose control of the BMW', which then veered into the oncoming lane, giving Mr Jenkins no opportunity to avoid the collision.
Van driver Ryan Jones told jurors he saw lights rapidly closing in behind him before a BMW swept past on a bend, describing the manoeuvre as 'unbelievably reckless and dangerous'. Moments later, he heard a 'deep thud' and saw a Toyota Yaris spin into a ditch. The injured boy, Ioan, was unconscious and later flown by air ambulance to Alder Hey children's hospital in Liverpool.
Mr Mainstone alleged the brothers had been racing and were 'in a car crash waiting to happen'. After the crash, the Audi stopped in front of the wrecked BMW, and the prosecution alleges one brother said 'Come on let’s go, let’s go' before they fled the scene. Airbag data showed the BMW was travelling in excess of 63mph at impact.
The trial continues.
