Death trial told of car complaints

A police car involved in a crash in which a Mid Wales man died had been into a workshop days before, after complaints of problems with the brakes.

But jurors at Caernarfon Crown Court were told no faults were found and the unmarked Ford Mondeo car was returned to service.

But Detective Constable Ashley Brice, who was driving the police car, told investigators he believed mechanical failure may have been a factor in the crash. Brice, of Kerry, Newtown, denies causing the death of Gareth James by dangerous driving.

Mr James, from Llandegley, Llandrindod Wells, was driving a Vauxhall Astra which was in collision with the Mondeo on the A483, Newtown to Llandrindod Wells, at Bwlch Gate, six miles outside Newtown. Mr James, 43, died shortly after the accident on October 10, 2005. The prosecution has alleged Brice overtook a lorry and three cars, reaching speeds of more than 80 miles an hour approaching a bend, before losing control of the car, hitting the verge and colliding with Mr James's oncoming car.

Aled Thomas, a motor technician, told the court he tested the Mondeo on the road and in the workshop, after a complaint there was a problem with the brakes.

He said he found no faults, but agreed he had not checked the brake pipes or the electronics.

Vehicle examiner Bryan Rees, who checked the Mondeo after the crash, said he found no faults with the braking system, which including anti-lock braking and electronic braking assistance.

Constable Michael John, accident investigator, said he believed the Mondeo had been travelling above the critical speed for the bend of 72mph. He said the comfortable speed for the bend was 47mph.

The trial continues.