Powys man given suspended sentence after day of carnage

Nathan Williams, 34, of High Street, Llandrindod Wells, appeared before Mold Crown Court after admitting dangerous driving, causing serious injury by careless driving, criminal damage, child cruelty and possessing cannabis.

The court heard how a series of incidents unfolded across the Brecon area on January 7, leaving multiple victims shaken and causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

But Recorder Robin Rouch accepted expert evidence that Williams was suffering from a psychotic episode at the time, significantly reducing his culpability.

The hearing was adjourned earlier this week after the judge requested more time to consider psychiatric evidence and reports into Williams' mental health.

Prosecutor Jemma Gordon told the court the offending began when Williams turned up at his brother's farm making comments about a coming "day of reckoning".

A short time later, he climbed into a tractor and deliberately drove it into a trailer and a Land Rover.

Sentencing Williams, Recorder Rouch said: "You shouted 'now you know pain like I have'. It was clear that you had deliberately driven into the trailer."

Damage to the vehicles was estimated at around £30,000.

Pedestrian left with broken arm

Williams then drove away from the farm and struck pedestrian Fiona Morris, mounting the edge of the road. The wing mirror hit her arm, breaking her forearm.

He then drove to the home of his partner, Alex Charman.

When she went inside, Williams smashed a window to gain entry.

Mother forced to pull children out of danger

Williams then continued driving through the Brecon area.

The court heard a woman was walking with her two children when Williams collided with their campervan.

He failed to stop and the mother was forced to pull both children out of harm's way.

Williams then crashed into their neighbour's parked car before speeding off. The owner of the car was inside and was "fortunately not injured but was shaken up", Recorder Rouch said.

Williams was eventually arrested by police following further collisions.

The judge noted he was "aggressive on arrest" and officers found 20g of cannabis in his possession.

Victims describe lasting impact

Victim impact statements revealed the lasting effect the offending has had.

Ms Morris told the court she remained in pain months after suffering a broken forearm.

She said: "I cannot stop thinking how the actions of this person can impact on a family so much."

Luke Williams said the destruction of the Land Rover had caused major difficulties for the family farm because it was their main work vehicle.

He also described watching footage of the incident afterwards and realising "how lucky" he had been not to have been struck by the tractor.

Defence says mental health problems drove offending

Defending, Ross McQuillan-Johnson said there was no dispute that Williams had been suffering serious mental health difficulties.

"At the heart of it, there is no opposition to the fact Mr Williams was suffering from some mental difficulty," he said.

The barrister said family members had been concerned for Williams' mental health and argued his responsibility for the offences should be reduced because of his condition.

He told the court the difference in Williams since receiving treatment in custody in HMP Berwyn was "day and night".

Describing the events of January 7, he added: "What happened was carnage for the rest of the day. That's the only way to describe his actions for the rest of the afternoon."

Judge accepts psychotic episode reduced culpability

Passing sentence, Recorder Rouch said the offences were serious and affected numerous victims.

However, he accepted psychiatric evidence that Williams had been suffering a psychotic episode that had a "real and sizeable impact on culpability".

While the judge said regular cannabis use had probably worsened Williams' mental health difficulties, he added: "I am satisfied psychosis was not caused by drug use or cannabis use."

Recorder Rouch said Williams now appeared significantly more stable, and there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

Suspended sentence and driving ban

Although the custody threshold had clearly been crossed, the judge suspended a 30-month prison sentence for 30 months.

Williams must complete 12-month mental health and drug treatment requirements, plus rehabilitation activities, the Building Better Choices programme and an 18-month residency requirement.

He was banned from driving for two years and must pass an extended re-test before getting behind the wheel again.