Takeaway Driver Kills Dad-of-Two in Shocking Hit-and-Run Just Before Christmas
A takeaway driver slammed into a dad-of-two walking his dog – then heartlessly left him to die just two days before Christmas. Aaron Jones, 38, was found dead in a churchyard pond in Llanpumsaint after the hit-and-run on 23 December 2024.
Daniel Wyke Jailed for Four and a Half Years
Daniel Wyke, 28, from Carmarthen, was slammed with a four-and-a-half-year jail sentence for causing Aaron’s death. After the crash, Wyke shockingly fled the scene to carry on his delivery rounds, leaving neighbours to discover Aaron’s body partially submerged in the pond.
Witnesses saw Wyke briefly peer over a churchyard wall where Aaron lay before speeding off in his badly damaged car. The court heard Aaron was wearing a high-vis jacket on a 20mph street, but Wyke was driving at 34mph when he hit him. There was no sign he braked or swerved to avoid the collision.
Victim’s Family Left Devastated
“A gentle and loving soul,” said Aaron’s mother, Maria Steadman. “My family now face a life sentence after losing our only son.”
Wyke initially claimed he thought he’d hit a tree branch but later pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
Judge Condemns ‘Cruelly Inhumane’ Driver
“You drove 14mph over the limit and failed to see a man in a high-vis jacket walking his dog. You should have seen him from the length of a rugby pitch. Your blatant lack of attention cost a loving husband and father his life.
“After hitting Mr Jones, it was clear you’d caused serious injury. Instead of helping, you prioritised avoiding the consequences. That was cruelly inhumane.
“You lied repeatedly, claiming to have hit a tree branch. I believe your remorse is self-pity, not true regret.”
Judge Paul Thomas KC also slapped Wyke with an eight-year driving ban.