Matthew davies’ life altered forever as court hears impact of catastrophic collision

In a harrowing incident that unfolded on the A402 in Cwmbran, a motorcyclist’s life was forever altered when Mitchel Methuen, high on cocaine, recklessly collided with him while racing another driver, leaving the victim airborne for an astonishing 300 feet. Matthew Davies, the motorcyclist, sustained catastrophic injuries, including damage to his spine, lung, ribs, arm, shoulder, wrist, pelvis, liver, and kidney.

The heart-wrenching details emerged during a sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court, where footage presented showed Methuen, 51, racing another driver, Oliver Wall, at “stupid speeds” before the crash on November 4, 2023. Witnesses reported speeds exceeding 90mph, with the orange BMW skidding around a roundabout at an alarming pace.

Matthew Davies’ ordeal began when Methuen’s orange BMW collided with his motorbike, throwing him a staggering 92 meters from the point of impact. The motorbike itself was propelled 141 meters away. Davies, unaware of the collision’s details due to little recollection, woke up weeks later in intensive care with severe injuries. His fractured pelvis, collapsed lung, and various fractures necessitated months of treatment and surgery, marking a significantly life-threatening ordeal.

Methuen, who had a history of three previous convictions, including rape and common assault, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, drug driving, and failing to stop. Wall, his racing counterpart, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and had no prior convictions.

In the victim’s personal statement read to the court, Davies expressed the profound impact on his life, both physically and mentally. He detailed the excruciating pain, loss of dignity, and struggles with daily tasks. The incident forced him to abandon his physically demanding job and adapt to a new life with a disability.

In the sentencing, Recorder Bruce Gardiner addressed Methuen, describing his actions as a “poor, prolonged, and persistent course of driving” that disregarded the danger to others. He handed Methuen a three-year prison sentence, a driving disqualification for five years and six months, emphasizing the devastating effect on Matthew Davies.

Oliver Wall received a six-month suspended prison sentence, 150 hours of unpaid work, and a two-year driving disqualification. The court acknowledged Wall’s impulsive actions but underscored the gravity of the incident that forever changed Matthew Davies’ life.