A MAN has appeared in court accused of causing the death of a dog walker in a collision in a rural Carmarthenshire village.
Aaron Jones, 38, died after being struck by a vehicle while walking in his home village of Llanpumsaint, north of Carmarthen, on the evening of December 23, 2024.
Daniel Wyke, 28, of Llanybri, was arrested the following day. Almost a year later, he has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving in connection with the incident.
Wyke also faces a separate charge of dangerous driving relating to an alleged incident in Water Street, Carmarthen town centre, on the same date.
He appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, January 15, where he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. No plea was entered.
Wyke was granted conditional bail. District Judge Mark Layton ordered that he must not interfere with any prosecution witnesses, must not enter Llanpumsaint, and must not drive a mechanically propelled vehicle on any road or public place.
He is due to appear next at Swansea Crown Court on the morning of February 16.
In the aftermath of the incident, a local councillor described Llanpumsaint as being “in mourning”. Councillor Bryan Jones said Aaron was highly respected within the community and deeply involved in village life.
“Aaron was exceptionally well regarded in the village,” he said. “He played a major role in the local park and was involved in many other community groups. He was popular, always had time for everyone, and would help anyone who needed it. The whole community is grieving.
“Llanpumsaint is a very close-knit village and will do everything it can to support the family at this tragic time. All our sympathies are with Aaron’s family and friends.”
Last month, Sergeant Sara John, of Dyfed-Powys Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said the force remained focused on supporting Mr Jones’s family.
“Our thoughts remain with Aaron’s family, who continue to be at the heart of this investigation,” she said. “We recognise this has been a lengthy process and are grateful to the family and the wider community for their patience and support.
“We will continue to support Aaron’s loved ones as the case progresses and seek to secure justice for Aaron.”
