Man will face danger-drive trial in July

Mar 26 2008 by Ben Glaze, South Wales Echo

A MOTORIST accused of killing a toddler by driving dangerously will be on trial during the first anniversary of the youngster’s death.

Joshua Venn-Howells, three, was hit by a Peugeot 407 near his home in St Mellons, Cardiff, on July 27, last year.

He died a day later at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, with his family at his bedside.

Police arrested 24-year-old Darren Jenkins, of Arabella Street, Roath, Cardiff, following the incident.

He was charged with causing Joshua’s death by dangerous driving in December.

Jenkins appeared in the dock at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday to formally plead not guilty during a 10-minute hearing.

Jenkins, wearing black trousers, a white long-sleeved shirt and dark tie, sat in the dock flanked by two guards.

He spoke only to confirm his name, deny the charge and say that he understood the proceedings.

Prosecutor Timothy Evans told the court special police collision investigators have filmed the scene and the video will form part of the evidence.

Judge Christopher Llewellyn-Jones fixed the trial date for July 21 – seven days before the first anniversary of Joshua’s death.

Josh’s mum Jodie, who did not attend the latest hearing, today said she was unhappy the trial will coincide with the first anniversary, but said she appreciated courts were bound to deal with cases as quickly as possible.

Jenkins’ barrister Dan Williams told Judge Llewellyn-Jones QC the trial could last eight days and that jurors were likely to visit the scene in Willowbrook Drive as part of the case.

Jenkins, whose family sat in the public gallery in courtroom No 1, was released on unconditional bail.

Jodie, who is also mum to Joel, 13, Kaleb, 11, Ethan, seven, Lily, six, and Lucas, two, told the Echo in January that she visits Thornhill Cemetery three times a week and lights a candle every day at a roadside shrine where Joshua was hit.

She said: “I sit and tell Josh that I miss him, that we’re all thinking about him.”

ben.glaze@mediawales.co.uk