The trip ended in the death of four people. The organizer heard the sentence

Four people died on the Cleddau River in West Wales while practicing paddleboarding in “extremely dangerous conditions”. The organizer of the expedition Narys Bethan Lloyd according to the court “showed a gross disregard” the risk of losing life by its participants. On Wednesday she heard a sentence.

Nerys Bethan Lloyd – former policewoman – was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison in connection with the death of four people who practiced paddleboarding on the Cleddau River (surfing variety in which the oar was used instead of waves – ed.). Lloyd she confessed Last month, to four cases of gross negligence that led to death, and one crime under the Act on health and safety at work.

Death of four tourists

Paul O'Dwyer (42 years old), Andrea Powell (41 years old), Morgan Rogers (24 years old) and Nicola Wheatley (40 years old) died on the Cleddau river in Pembrrokeshire, on October 30, 2021, all four took part in the expedition on a board with a paddle in the west Wales. There was an accident near the Haverfordwest dam in “extremely dangerous conditions”. Three people died on the spot, Andrea Powell was taken to the Withybush hospital, where she died six days later as a result of injuries.

The organizer of the expedition and the main instructor was Nerys Bethan Lloyd, the owner and only director of the company Salty Dog Co. Ltd.

“A magnificent gross disregard” the risk of losing life

On October 30, 2021, floods performed in Pembrokeshire and warnings against unfavorable weather. Flood conditions meant that the water level around the dam at Haverfordwest was very high. When the group flowing by the river on the boards approached a dangerous place, three participants of the expedition were drawn under water. Co -assigned, Paul O'Dwyer, who initially left the river safely, returned, trying to save the others, but also was immediately drawn by the current. Four people died as a result of drowning.

The Prosecutor's Office reported that, according to the expert's opinion, the expedition “should not have been done”. The expert in the field of paddleboarding Andrew Gratwick stated in a written testimony that he considers the dam “an extremely serious risk that should be obvious to every competent instructor.”

When issuing a verdict on Lloyd on Wednesday in the Crown Court in Swansea, Judge Justice Stacey said that the dam was “obvious and extreme threat” and that the woman “showed a gross disregard” the risk of losing life. “It wasn't a temporary negligence, all your approach to health and safety was careless,” said the judge. She emphasized that at that time meteorological warnings issued by Met Office were in force, as well as a flood warning issued by Natural Resources Wales.

The judge said that she was sure that neither Lloyd nor O'dwyer intended to “hurt any of the participants”, but “the whole approach of the accused to the basic health and safety issues was regrettable.” The recordings of the event were not shown in court, because according to the judge it is “too depressing”.

“It's my fault one hundred percent”

The prosecutor Mark Watson stated that Paul O'Dwyer “bears part of the responsibility”, but the accused “bears the main responsibility for the loss of life” of the participants of the expedition.

According to the evidence presented by the Inspector for Security and Hygiene of the Local Kayak Club, during periods of high water level, the dam at Haverfordwest “becomes extremely dangerous and is associated with a high risk of losing life.” One of the witnesses who had lived near the Cleddau River for about 35 years said that “he does not remember that he would ever see such a strong current in this river.” The prosecutor Mark Watson added: “Seven participants (expeditions – ed.) The presence of the dam completely surprised.”

The evidence gathered by investigators shows that after the tragedy, on the same day, Lloyd sent a voice message, saying: “It's my fault one hundred percent. I probably shouldn't go to water.” At the back of the ambulance, they heard her telling her friends that “she would go to prison for it.” The defender of the accused David Elias said in court that Lloyd took “full guilty” for the accident. He added that she was not punished before, she was a flawless person, tried to help victims at the scene and expressed repentance.

Statements of families of people who died

In her speech, the judge paid tribute to the victims and their families. “We heard moving relationships from family members who died,” she said.

Theresa Hall, the mother of the deceased Morgan Rogers (24 years old), gave a statement in front of the Crown Court building in Swansea. – It's been three long years and seven months since I lost my only daughter, Morgan, my best friend. It's been over three years since I saw her, over three years since I heard her contagious laughter – she said. She added that Nerys Bethan Lloyd did not get data about her closest relative, so over 12 hours passed before she learned about her daughter's death. – My beloved girl was not important for Nerys Lloyd. She could not provide the police by Morgan because she did not even bother to get information with whom to contact in emergency. It was disgusting!

Nicola's husband Wheatley (40 years old), Darren Wheatley, said in a statement read before the court: “Loss Nicola destroyed our family, and two young children lost their mother.” No punishment that Neryry will spend in prison, will soothe the pain after the loss of Nicola, and our lives will never be the same again.