Argoed driver jailed for killing dog walker in Nelson crash

South Wales Argus

6 days ago

Window cleaner Daniel Boucher, 28, lost control of his Peugeot 207 GTi on a bend on Ty Du Road in Nelson and hit 66-year-old David Chaplin – who had been walking his two dogs.
Mr Chaplin died at the scene on April 18, 2023.
Boucher pleaded guilty to a lesser offence of causing death by careless driving, but was found guilty by a jury of causing death by dangerous driving following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court.
In a statement read to the court by prosecutor Owen Williams, Mr Chaplin's granddaughter Abby Hillberg said: 'My bampi was a fit and healthy 66-year-old man at the time of his accident.
'He was out doing something he loved – walking his dogs – when his life was taken from him.
'As a family, this is something we will carry with us forever.
'My bampi and I were inseparable. He was my father figure in life.
'When I lost my bampi, I lost a piece of myself. My spark disappeared.'
Daniel Boucher crashed and hit David Chaplin as he was walking his dogs. (Image: Gwent Police)
During the trial, prosecutor Owen Williams said Boucher bragged to colleague Scott Williams about the 165 and 170 horsepower of his "turbocharged" car as they finished work.
He said the defendant was then "showing off" as he revved the engine with his workmate following in a car behind on the 30mph road.
The court heard Boucher was driving "way too fast" as he rounded a bend and "oversteered".
Mr Williams said the Peugeot mounted the pavement and collided with a lamppost before flipping onto its side and stopping on a grass verge.
Boucher admitted speeding to police officers at the scene saying: "I lost control of the car."
He later confessed: "What have I done? I'm sorry."
The court heard evidence that it would take a speed in excess of 45-55mph to cause a driver to lose control round the corner in the conditions that day.
Boucher, of New Road in Argoed, had no previous convictions and a previously clean driving record.
'There is nothing I can say to ease the pain and suffering caused,' said Hashim Salmman, mitigating.
He said Boucher showed 'genuine remorse' for his actions, and had always accepted criminal responsibility for the crash.
Mr Salmman added the defendant did not seek to minimise his offending and fully accepted the jury's verdict when speaking with the probation service.
Mr Salmman said Boucher tried to aid Mr Chaplin immediately after the crash.
Judge Vanessa Francis described the crash as 'a tragic miscalculation'.
Boucher was jailed for four years. He has been disqualified from driving for a total of six years and two months, and must pass an extended retest to regain his licence.
"This is a tragic case that has resulted in the needless loss of a life,' said Sergeant Shane Draper, the senior investigating officer. 'I would like to thank all those who assisted in our investigation and offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr Chaplin.
"The importance of driving carefully and to your ability at all times is never more poignant than in this case; the collision was so unnecessary. Dangerous driving ruins lives.'