Mother's plea after 'death race'

David Wares' car struck an on-coming vehicle at high speed

The mother of a 22-year-old man killed in a crash has pleaded for leniency for the friend he raced against at an estimated 95mph in a 30mph zone.

David Wares' mother Edwina appealed for only a short term in custody for David Bexon, 20, of Dyserth, Denbighshire.

Judge John Rogers said his sentence on Bexon at Mold Crown Court took into account her "very generous letter".

Bexon was given two years, nine months youth custody after admitting dangerous driving in August at Prestatyn.

Mr Wares was killed instantly when he crashed into another car as he raced with Bexon.

In a letter to the judge, Ms Wares, who lives close to the crash scene, said that she was devastated by the loss of her son.

Nothing will bring David back... I don't bear any ill will against David Bexon David Wares' mother, Edwina

"However, I do know that both he and David Bexon were responsible for their own actions on that fateful night," she said.

"Nothing will bring David back. I don't bear any ill will against David Bexon.

"I appreciate that he may well receive a custodial sentence but if that is to happen, I would wish it to be as short a period as is appropriate."

But she said that she wished him to receive a substantial driving disqualification.

Judge John Rogers QC said that it was a very generous letter from the mother of the young man who was killed and said he would bear it in mind during sentencing.

Sentencing Bexon, the judge told him: "Before the collision you were both driving in excess of the speed limits. It was, if not inevitable, highly likely that there was going to be a violent collision."

'Ridiculously fast'

The guideline sentence for such an offence was between four and seven years.

"Custody is inevitable, firstly because of the very dangerous nature of your driving and because of the fatal consequences," the judge said.

I am very conscious of the fact that no punishment I impose upon you can begin to compensate for the loss of David Wares' life or provide any sort of consolation for his family and friends Judge John Rogers

"The sentence has to attempt to deter young people from using the public highways to face their motor vehicles, one against another.

"Having said that, I am very conscious of the fact that no punishment I impose upon you can begin to compensate for the loss of David Wares' life or provide any sort of consolation for his family and friends."

The judge said that Bexon had pleaded guilty and he had admitted at the scene that their speed had been "ridiculously fast".

He was of good character with a good work record, he came from a highly respected family and it was highly unlikely that he would ever offend again.

"Finally I bear in mind the very generous terms set out in the letter written to me by Mrs Wares," he said.

A four-year driving ban was imposed and he must take an extended driving test.

Mr Wares' car struck an oncoming Fiat Punto containing five people but none of them was hurt.