A driver who failed to stop after striking an elderly pedestrian, leaving the 84-year-old to die on the road, subsequently attempted to shift responsibility onto his father.

Mark Ball, aged 46, failed to halt his vehicle and provide assistance to Charles Sully after colliding with the pensioner in Newport.

The victim was propelled approximately five metres across the vehicle’s hood before being abandoned on the pavement with severe injuries as the accused reversed his car and escaped from the location.

The elderly Mr Sully was navigating Old Cardiff Road, which branches from Cardiff Road, using two walking aids when he was struck at approximately 5pm on Thursday, 8 February 2024.

When sentencing Ball at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Paul Hobson stated that the victim’s death had caused immense suffering to his family and those closest to him. The loss of Mr Sully was deeply felt, particularly by his brother Jim. His life should not have concluded in such circumstances. The judge remarked that having viewed the footage, it was profoundly distressing to observe.

The judge further noted that Ball had displayed a complete lack of attention to the road ahead, made no attempt whatsoever to assist the injured man, and instead reversed rapidly before turning around and departing. This conduct was described as utterly indifferent and self-serving.

Members of the public came to Mr Sully’s assistance, among them a doctor from the nearby Royal Gwent Hospital who was returning home from work, before emergency services arrived promptly at the scene.

Tragically, the victim passed away six days later in hospital, having never recovered consciousness.

Matthew Cobbe, for the prosecution, stated that Ball nearly collided again approximately a mile further along his escape route from where he had struck Mr Sully.

The defendant subsequently denied being the vehicle’s driver and attempted to attribute blame to his father, claiming the older man had possession of the car’s keys at the time. However, the defendant’s father provided a police statement asserting that his son’s account was untrue.

Ball persisted with this claim even after his father’s death last year, before eventually acknowledging his responsibility.

When officers attended to arrest the defendant, they believed he had fled his residence through the rear entrance and was located by a police dog handler concealed behind the gate of a neighbouring garden.

Ball, a learner driver without insurance, residing at Thirlmere Place in Newport, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.

He also admitted dangerous driving, causing death while driving without a licence, and causing death while uninsured.

The defendant had accumulated 39 previous convictions spanning 90 offences, including taking vehicles without consent and driving under the influence of alcohol.

His barrister, Andrew Kendall, explained that his client requires dialysis treatment three times weekly due to chronic kidney disease. The defendant had also experienced difficulties with substance misuse.

Ball was sentenced to 30 months in prison and will be prohibited from driving for three years after his release from custody. He will be required to pass an extended driving test and pay a victim surcharge.

Following Mr Sully’s death, his family issued a tribute describing him as the most kind and generous gentleman and a special brother, brother-in-law and uncle to all his family. They stated he would be missed greatly by all who knew him.