A man has been sentenced to four years for causing the death of a dog walker by dangerous driving.
Daniel Boucher, 28, was driving over the speed limit when he lost control of his car on the road coming off Ty Du Road, Nelson, in South Wales in April 2023.
Boucher’s red Peugeot 207 left the road after he failed to negotiate a bend as he travelled away from Whitebeam Court Industrial Estate.
His car rolled on to its side and collided with Paul Chaplin, 66, who was walking his dog on the pavement.
Officers attended, along with the Welsh Ambulance Service, Welsh Air Ambulance and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service but Mr Chaplin, from the Nelson area, was sadly confirmed dead at the scene.
Boucher, of Argoed, was found guilty of causing Mr Chaplin’s death by dangerous driving following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court last month.
He was sentenced to four years at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday 23 June.
Mr Chaplin’s daughter Abby Hillberg, on behalf of the family, said: “Today we remember and honour the life of the amazing and wonderful Paul Chaplin, whose life was tragically cut short on 18 April 2023 due a road traffic collision.
“His life was cruelly taken from him far too soon, and the shock and impact of this loss has affected everyone who loved and knew him.
“He was the main function of our family, our whole world and more.
“He was more than just a victim of a tragic and heartbreaking event, he was an amazing dad, and outstanding grandfather, a partner and a friend to many.
“He brightened every room he walked in, made a positive impact on everyone who met him and, most of all, brought happiness to those around him.
“No words will ever explain the heartache and sorrow that we felt and still feel to this day, but in remembering our Dad and Bampi we hold onto the joy and love he brought into our lives and remember all the memories we share and that remain in our hearts forever.
“There is not a day that goes by where we don’t think of him, tell him we love him or reminisce on our happy memories. He really was one of a kind, a true gentleman and an honourable man.
“We hope for this tribute to serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety and acknowledgement of pedestrians.
“Every life lost is a family shattered and a future rewritten. Rest in peace and keep showing us daily that you are with us. You will never be forgotten, we love you always.”
Sergeant Shane Draper, the senior investigating officer from the serious collision investigation unit, said:
“This is a tragic case that has resulted in the needless loss of a life; I would like to thank all those who assisted in our investigation and offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr Chaplin.
“The facts of the case are that, after leaving work, Boucher drove dangerously, far too quickly for the road and lost control of his vehicle.
“Boucher was showing off and his failure to drive to the required competent and careful driving standard has caused devastating consequences – the death of Mr Chaplin, who was simply walking his dog on the pavement.
“The importance of driving carefully and to your ability at all times is never more poignant than in this case; the collision was so unnecessary. Dangerous driving ruins lives.
“This is a reminder to everyone who gets behind the wheel – your responsibility isn’t just to ensure your own safety, but the safety of everyone around you.
“Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Chaplin.”
Boucher will be disqualified from driving for five years and will need to take an extended test when reapplying for his licence.
