Optometrist guilty of causing father's death in devastating Mid Wales crash

An optometrist has been found guilty of causing the death of a Mid Wales father and seriously injuring his nine-year-old son by dangerous driving.

Abubakr Yusaf, 31, was remanded in custody pending sentencing next month - July 27, after the verdict at Mold Crown Court.

His older brother, Umar, 35, also an optometrist, was also convicted by the jury of causing death and serious injury by careless driving. He was granted bail with an overnight curfe

The younger brother was also uninsured at the time of the tragedy in Mid Wales in November 2024.

Judge Timothy Petts warned Umar Yusaf: “It’s overwhelmingly likely you, too, will be going immediately to prison alongside your brother.”

Abubakr Yusaf was told his sentence was probably going to be in “double digits.”

Judge Petts said: “It’s inevitable there will be prison sentences, in particular for Abubakr Yusaf a very long prison sentence for what he did on that night.”

The brothers, of Esmond Road, Manchester, had disputed racing each other in BMW and Audi cars during the 150-mile trip home to Manchester from Aberystwyth.

They had denied causing the death of Rhys Jenkins, 41, a rugby referee, from Deuddwr in Powys, on the A483 in November 2024.

The defendants were driving on the road between 6pm and 6.30pm on November 16, 2024, when the tragedy occurred south of Welshpool.

Outlining the case, prosecutor David Mainstone said: “This tragic incident was caused when Abubakr Yusaf’s speed and reckless overtaking manoeuvres caused him to lose control of the BMW.

“When he attempted to correct that loss of control the BMW veered completely into the oncoming lane. Mr Jenkins had no opportunity to take evasive action or otherwise avoid the collision.”

Mr Jenkins was killed and his son was seriously injured.

Abubakr Yusaf had been “egged on” by his brother, the prosecutor said.

Van driver Ryan Jones said there was a “deep thud” when the collision occurred and Mr Jenkins’ Toyota Yaris spun and ended in a ditch.

Mr Jenkins’ son had been unconscious, the witness said.

Mr Mainstone asked Mr Jones whether he was surprised by what happened, and he replied: “No. It was inevitable. You can’t be driving that fast on those roads.”

The prosecutor said Mr Jenkins’ son was flown by air ambulance to Alder Hey children’s hospital, Liverpool.

Mr Mainstone said the brothers were racing and a car crash waiting to happen.

“Both were responsible for the fatal collision,” he alleged.

After crash the Audi had stopped in front of the heavily damaged BMW, then the brothers left the scene after one had said: “Come on let’s go, let’s go,” the prosecutor claimed.

The jury heard the BMW had travelled onto the nearside verge before “fishtailing”, going out of control into the oncoming lane.

Airbag data showed the BMW was travelling in excess of 63mph at the moment of impact, the prosecution said.

Speaking after the verdict Mr Jenkins’ wife, Carrie Jenkins, spoke of the devastating impact of the tragedy and urged others to heed the warnings of driving at high speeds.

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.”

Speaking about the impact of Mr Jenkins’ death on his family, PS Sara John from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “The tragic and wholly preventable death of Rhys Jenkins has caused his two young boys and wife to suffer immeasurable grief.

“Today’s verdict has proven that Abubakr and Umar Yusaf are directly responsible for causing the death of Mr Jenkins, seriously injuring his young son and bringing complete devastation to their family.

“Both defendants have denied responsibility from the outset, despite overwhelming evidence that they were racing each other in a highly dangerous manner.

“Our investigation has been intensive and thorough, and I would like to thank the members of the public at the scene, and those who came forward with information to support the investigation and court proceedings that followed. Their input was paramount to the guilty verdict delivered today.

“I’d also like to thank all the officers and staff involved for their dedication to the case and ultimately securing this result.

“More importantly, I would like to commend the bravery and dignity shown by Rhys’s family during our enquiries and the criminal justice process – the strength they have shown having to sit through the trial listening to the evidence can only be described as extraordinary.”

Joanne Brine, solicitor for Carrie Jenkins added: “This has been an unimaginably distressing time for Mrs Jenkins, coping with a life-changing situation which she has handled with courage and grace as she, her children and their wider family have come to terms with the devasting loss of a much-loved husband and father,

“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.”