Two brothers have been convicted of killing a well-known rugby coach and father-of-two in a horror collision while they were racing each other along a main road.
The Crash
Rhys Jenkins, 41, died at the scene of the crash on the A483 near Welshpool. His badly-injured young son had to be airlifted to hospital for treatment. Siblings Umar Ben Yusaf and Abubakr Ben Yusaf fled the scene before emergency services arrived.
The pair denied causing the death of Mr Jenkins but were convicted following an eight-day trial at Mold Crown Court. They will be sentenced next month.
Family's Grief
Mr Jenkins' wife described the loss of her husband as "devastating" but said the family's focus has been to rebuild their lives and "make the most of each day as Rhys would have wanted."
The Race
The court heard that the brothers, both optometrists, were driving home to Manchester from Aberystwyth in separate cars on November 16, 2024, when they started racing. Witnesses reported dangerous overtakes, erratic driving, excessive speed, and tailgating.
Abubakr Ben Yusaf lost control of his BMW X3 on the Belan straight and collided head-on with Mr Jenkins' Toyota. Both brothers fled, driving to a nearby Tesco car park. Mr Jenkins, originally from Glynneath but living in Deuddwr, Powys, was pronounced dead at the scene.
His nine-year-old son was airlifted to Alder Hey children's hospital in Liverpool, where he spent 10 days being treated for his injuries.
Arrest and Trial
Umar Ben Yusaf returned to the scene 40 minutes later and told a PCSO that the person responsible was with him. Both were arrested. In their trial, they denied racing or driving in convoy. Umar claimed he saw "some sort of contaminant" on the road.
Abubakr Ben Yusaf, 31, was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and causing death while uninsured. Umar Ben Yusaf, 35, was found guilty of causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury by careless driving. They will be sentenced on July 27.
Statements
Carrie Jenkins said: "The loss of Rhys in such an unexpected and unnecessary way has been devastating but our focus as a family has been to rebuild our lives and to make the most of each day, as Rhys would have wanted."
Joanne Brine, solicitor for Mrs Jenkins, said: "Nothing will ever heal the overwhelming pain of his loss but they continue to navigate their future in the best way possible with the invaluable support of their wider community."
Dyfed-Powys Police sergeant Sara John commended the bravery of the family and said: "The tragic and wholly preventable death of Rhys Jenkins has caused his two young boys and wife to suffer immeasurable grief."
