Cleared of murder (From Penarth Times)

Cleared of murder

A MAN has been found not guilty of murdering Penarth teenager Craig Hopkins by driving into him but has been sentenced to six years for manslaughter.

Daryl Gronow, aged 20, of Lee Road, Barry, drove his VW Golf into a group of friends after a night out in the early hours of August 14 last year.

Nineteen-year-old Craig Hopkins, forced into railings, was fatally injured.

Gronow admitted manslaughter at Cardiff Crown Court but admitted manslaughter.

He told the court: "I am very sorry for what I have done. I feel very bad. I wish I could take it back."

Although he admitted to not having a full driving licence at the time of the incident, Gronow described himself as a "confident" driver.

He said he had only intended to "scare" the group, adding: "I was revving the car and my lights were on. I assumed they would have moved out of the way but they did not move in time."

The court heard how an argument started and Mr Hopkins and his friend Gareth Burge punched Gronow in a fight.

Witnesses recalled seeing Gronow run away from the fight, before driving his VW Golf at Mr Hopkins and his three friends Alex Cavaliere, Gareth Burge and Jason Bousie.

Taxi driver Kevin Evans told the court he saw a car accelerate and hit the group, knocking Mr Hopkins into the railings.

Gronow said he panicked and ran away from the scene but turned himself in at Barry Police Station the next day.

A statement writtern by Gronow was read out in court by his barrister, Gerard Elias QC.

He said: "I know I stand before you for sentence for a very serious offence, and one for which I'm extremely sorry.

"My actions will live with me for the rest of my life and I know that is what I deserve.

"I want to apologise to the Hopkins family for the pain and suffering I have caused but I know that apology will never be enough."

Sentencing Gronow to six years in a young offenders' institution, Judge Mr Justice Forbes said: "It was a desperately dangerous and reckless act on your part.

"I accept you only intended to frighten the group of young men but, yout hought they wuold get out of your way.

"But tragically, you were unable to stop. As a result, Craig is now dead."