A man has been jailed for causing death by dangerous driving, following a collision in 2023.
Christopher West, 42 years old, from Ely, Cardiff first appeared at Cardiff Magistrates Court on April 8, 2025 where he pleaded guilty to causing death by careless/ inconsiderate driving and causing death by driving a vehicle whilst unlicensed/ uninsured. Yesterday (July 17) at Cardiff Crown Court he was sentenced to one year and four months in prison.
This followed an ambulance report of a road traffic collision on Heol Trelai at 9:30pm on Monday May 1, 2023. The black Vauxhall Astra driven by West was travelling along Heol Trelai from the direction of Cowbridge Road West as Keely Morgan was crossing the road on a designated zebra crossing.
West then drove into Keely, and despite the best efforts of paramedics and Heli-med consultants Keely was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time the Keely’s mum Sian Morgan and stepdad Liam Coulthard gave the following tribute:
“As a family we are just devastated at the sudden loss of Keely. Our hearts are broken, and we never imagined anything like this would ever happen to us.
Keely always had such a beautiful smile that would light up a room.
She was sensible, kind and not one person ever had a bad word to say about her.
In such a short time in this world, she had touched so many people and she had so many plans that have now been so cruelly taken away.
We have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from our community and although we can’t answer every single one, we wanted to thank you all.
Finally, to anyone at the scene who tried to help Keely and to all the emergency services who tried their best, again as family we are grateful for your efforts.
Rest in peace Keely. You will never be forgotten.”
At the time the following tribute was made by Martin Hulland, head teacher at Cardiff West Community High School, Ely:
“The Cardiff West CHS community was absolutely devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Keely Morgan from Year 10.
There was an enormous sense of shock and a huge outpouring of grief as we received the terrible news yesterday.
Keely was an exceptional student who loved school. She was a good friend to many students and had a real passion for drama. Her family were outstanding supporters of the school.
Keely demonstrated high levels of resilience to overcome serious health issues and was a superb role model to so many.
She was described as an “absolute star” by her Head of Year, and we will all miss her terribly.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends, and we will do all we can to provide care and support at this incredibly difficult time.”
