Two brothers who were racing each other home on a Welsh road before a fatal head-on collision have been jailed after killing a father-of-two and seriously injuring his nine-year-old son.
Abubakr Ben Yusaf was sentenced to 14 years in prison, while his brother Umar Ben Yusaf was jailed for two years and nine months following the crash which claimed the life of Rhys Jenkins.
The brothers were travelling separately from Aberystwyth to Manchester on November 16, 2024, when they began racing each other along the A483 between Newtown and Welshpool.
Both men were locum optometrists and were driving separate vehicles, with Abubakr Ben Yusaf behind the wheel of a BMW X3 and Umar Ben Yusaf driving an Audi S4.
Mold Crown Court heard during an eight-day trial that witnesses had seen the brothers carrying out dangerous overtaking manoeuvres, driving at excessive speed, tailgating and flashing their headlights at other motorists.
The prosecution described the brothers as effectively a “car crash waiting to happen” as they drove aggressively along the road.
Abubakr Ben Yusaf subsequently lost control of his BMW, which crossed into the opposite lane and collided head-on with a Toyota Yaris being driven by Rhys Jenkins on the Belan straight.
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Jenkins, from Deuddwr, Powys, died at the scene.
His nine-year-old son, Ioan, was seriously injured and airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, where he spent 10 days receiving treatment. The father and son had been travelling to see their first Wales rugby game together against Australia, but they never reached the stadium.
The court heard that Jenkins had been driving his wife’s Toyota Yaris “entirely properly” when Abubakr Ben Yusaf’s BMW entered his path. Following the collision, both brothers initially fled the scene in Umar’s Audi S4.
Umar Ben Yusaf returned to the scene within 40 minutes and told a PCSO that the person responsible was with him.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that although Umar’s Audi was not directly involved in the collision, the competitive nature of his driving with his brother had contributed significantly to the fatal incident.
Abubakr Ben Yusaf was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and causing death whilst uninsured.
Umar Ben Yusaf was found guilty of causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury by careless driving. He was found not guilty of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.
The court heard that the brothers had denied responsibility for the fatal collision and denied racing each other.
Following the convictions, Rhys Jenkins’ widow, Carrie Jenkins, paid tribute to her husband and thanked those involved in bringing the case to court.
She said: “Following the conviction, I would like to thank the court, the jury, the CPS, police and all those involved in this trial, including the many witnesses who came forward. 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, with the support of our friends and community. I hope the publicity surrounding the Crown Court case highlights to others the dangers of driving at speed, and acts as a reminder that we all have a responsibility when we get behind a wheel.”
Rhys Jenkins was described by his loved ones as a “devoted family man” to Carrie and their two sons, Ioan and Gruff.
He was also a highly respected rugby referee and had officiated matches around Wales and in New Zealand. He was a “hugely valued and much loved” member and junior coach at Caereinion Old Boys Rugby Association (COBRA), based in Meifod.
Sergeant Sara John from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said the sentences could not undo the damage caused to Jenkins’ family.
“The sentences passed today cannot undo the tragic loss suffered by Rhys’s family, who have shown remarkable strength throughout this investigation and court process.
“I hope that today’s outcome provides them with some closure as they begin to move forward with their lives, which have been changed forever.”
She added that the actions of Abubakr and Umar Yusaf were “catastrophic” and that “the impact of their actions can never be underestimated”.
Joanne Brine, solicitor for Carrie Jenkins, said the family had endured an “unimaginably distressing” period following Rhys’ death.
“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. We will continue to support the family as they pursue civil redress for the actions which lead to Rhys’ untimely death.”
The case has highlighted the devastating consequences of dangerous and competitive driving, with the court hearing that the brothers’ decision to race each other ultimately resulted in the death of an innocent father and serious injuries to his young son.
