Neil Lewis, 47, a mechanic, has avoided jail after fraudulently passing the MOT of a Volkswagen Tiguan that was involved in a crash resulting in the deaths of three young people. The incident occurred on March 4, near St Mellons, Cardiff, when the vehicle veered off the road and collided with trees. The driver, Rafel Jeanne, 24, and passengers Darcy Ross and Eve Smith, both 21, died in the crash. Survivors Sophie Russon, 20, and Shane Loughlin, 32, suffered injuries.
Lewis, who owned G and J Motors, admitted to fraud by false representation at Cardiff Magistrates' Court. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order and required to complete 100 hours of community service. Prosecutor Francesca Parry noted that the Volkswagen had previously failed an MOT on February 9, 2023, due to issues with the seatbelts and airbag warning lights. Despite this, Lewis conducted a re-test and passed the vehicle with advisories.
The vehicle had a history of safety issues, including a prior crash in Scotland in 2021, and had not undergone necessary repairs before being sold at auction. Messages found on Lewis' phone indicated he was aware of the car's safety problems prior to passing the MOT. On the night of the crash, the group had been drinking and inhaling laughing gas before their disappearance, which led to a two-day search before they were found. Six police officers faced misconduct allegations related to the investigation, with two cleared after an internal hearing.