A Powys man has admitted causing serious injury to a husband and wife in a collision that “changed our lives forever” at the A489/A470 junction near Caersws.
Matthew James Sampson, of Three Cocks, Brecon, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving when he appeared before magistrates in Welshpool.
The 25‑year‑old admitted that on June 30, 2025, he drove a white Audi TT without due care and attention, colliding with a Harley‑Davidson motorcycle ridden by Colin and Sally Stewart.
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The court heard the crash happened shortly after 5pm as Sampson travelled from the Newtown direction and attempted to turn right before the level crossing. As he made the turn, the motorcycle struck the passenger side of the Audi as the couple rode towards Newtown.
Mr Stewart, an experienced motorcyclist since the 1980s, said he remembered seeing “something white pull out when it shouldn’t” before everything went black. He suffered a broken neck and hip injuries and has since been told he requires surgery which carries a risk of paralysis or death.
He told the court that ongoing pain has left him unable to carry out basic tasks and said the crash had taken away long‑planned retirement trips, including a £15,000 “dream holiday” to the United States he had booked for July that year.
“The only thing we have to look forward to is outpatient appointments,” he said. “The reckless actions of another have prevented us to realise our dreams and changed our lives forever.”
Mrs Stewart told the court she was sent “flying through the air” and believed she was going to die. She was airlifted to hospital with a fractured left ankle and said she remains “hugely” traumatised and fearful of travelling.
“It makes me depressed what we missed out on and what we will miss out on,” she said. “It is soul destroying.”
Witnesses described seeing the Audi pull out in front of the motorcycle, sending Mrs Stewart across the ground. One said the bike was not travelling at an excessive speed.
Sampson’s legal representative, Owain Jones, said the defendant was “ever so remorseful” and had written a letter apologising for the harm caused.
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He urged the bench to consider the junction’s poor visibility and described the collision as a “momentary lapse”.
“This area is notorious for accidents,” Mr Jones said.
Magistrates said the offences crossed the custody threshold and ordered a full pre‑sentence report.
Sampson, who runs a small business and works as a chef, was granted unconditional bail and will next appear at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on April 14.
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