A father was killed next to his nine-year-old son in a head-on crash with a pair of wealthy brothers who were allegedly racing their BMW and Audi, a court heard.
Father-of-two Rhys Jenkins, 41, was killed in the crash and his son Ioan was airlifted to hospital from the wreckage of the crash scene on the A483 near Welshpool, Wales.
Abubakr Ben Yusaf, 29, and Umar Ben Yusaf, 34, were allegedly racing their BMW X3 and Audi S4 when the father and son were hit head-on in November 2024.
A court heard their high-speed driving was a ‘car crash waiting to happen’ as they sped ‘aggressively’ along a country road at estimated speeds of up to 100mph.
The Yusaf brothers – who were both working as opticians at the time – are accused of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and causing death while uninsured.
Prosecutor David Mainstone said the crash happened when the BMW driven by Abubakr Ben Yusaf lost control and Mr Jenkins ‘couldn’t avoid the collision.’
He said the father and son ‘paid a terrible price’ for the fact the brothers had been driving ‘with no consideration for other road users’.
When police arrived, they found both men, from Manchester, had fled the scene.
Abubakr Ben Yusaf (left), 29, and Umar Ben Yusaf (right), 34, were allegedly racing their BMW X3 and Audi S4 when the father and son were hit head-on in November 2024
The jury at Mold Crown Court was told the brothers were in separate cars on the A483 when the crash happened.
Mr Mainstone said up to 10 eye witnesses would give evidence to say they were tailgated and dangerously overtaken just before the crash by Abubakr Ben Yusaf’s BMW X3 and then by an Audi S4 driven by Umar Ben Yusaf.
He said the brothers were ‘effectively a car crash waiting to happen’ and were ‘driving aggressively and dangerously’.
He said: ‘They were racing. Both were responsible.’
One witness had been dangerously overtaken in his Transit van by the BMW whose driving was ‘reckless’ – and then overtaken by the sporty blue Audi.
When the witness reached a straight section of road at Belan, he saw the rear of the BMW ‘fishtail’ as it lost control and swerved into the oncoming lane.
Mr Mainstone said Mr Jenkins was driving his wife’s Toyota Yaris entirely properly in the other direction with son Ioan in the passenger seat.
The car was hit head on by the BMW and Mr Jenkins died at the scene.
Ioan was airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool with serious injuries.
The court heard the brothers would often do locum work in Wales and were driving 80 miles away from the home they share.
Mr Jenkins, from Deuddw, Powys, was described by loved ones as a ‘devoted family man’ to his wife Carrie, sons Ioan and Gruff, and a ‘much-loved’ son, brother and uncle.
The family of the highly respected sportsman, who refereed rugby games around Wales and in New Zealand, said his death was ‘absolutely devastating for us all.’
Mr Jenkins had become a ‘hugely valued and much loved’ member and junior coach at Caereinion Old Boys Rugby Association (COBRA), based in Meifod.
The club said: ‘He was a dedicated head coach of our under 10 side, devoting much time to support our young players demonstrating his knowledge and passion for the game.
‘He was also a highly respected referee and had refereed games throughout Wales and New Zealand.
‘But above all, Rhys was a genuinely nice person who will be greatly missed – not just by his young team – but by everyone associated with the Club.’
Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng also shared their condolences to a ‘very special family who are an integral part’ of the school in Welshpool.
‘[We] wish a very brave little boy a speedy recovery,’ the school added.
The trial at Mold Crown Court continues.
