A driver smashed into a lamppost and killed his girlfriend in a 90mph crash during an ‘impromptu race’ with another car. 

Sophie Brimble, 20, was the front seat passenger when her speeding motorist partner Jay Bayliss lost control of his Volkswagen Polo.

He had been racing Neil Brooks through residential roads and driven the wrong way around a roundabout during the street chase.

Bayliss, 32, whose driving was described as ‘aggressive’, was travelling close to 90mph in a 30mph zone when his Polo spun on a bend and collided with a lamppost. 

Miss Brimble was pronounced dead at the scene. Bayliss suffered serious injuries and was ruled not fit to stand trial following the crash in July, 2017. 

But a jury at Newport Crown Court has now convicted him of blame for her death, nine years after the fatal crash.  

Brooks was jailed for eight years in 2019 at Cardiff Crown Court for causing Miss Brimble’s death by dangerous driving, and causing serious injury to Bayliss by dangerous driving.

In a statement released following the verdict, Miss Brimble’s family said ‘Sophie was taken from us way too soon’ and that she is ‘greatly missed every single day’.    

Jay Bayliss, 32, (left) killed his girlfriend Sophie Brimble (right) when his Volkswagen Polo crashed into a lamppost during an ‘impromptu race’ with another driver 

Miss Brimble’s family said ‘Sophie was taken from us way too soon’ and that she is ‘greatly missed every single day’

Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe told the court Bayliss had got into an ‘impromptu race’ with Brooks between Ebbw Vale and Brynmawr, in South Wales.

He added: ‘Mr Bayliss was travelling way above the speed limit in the lead up to the collision, driving through excessive speeds in a residential area, in excess of 80mph.

‘Mr Brooks was a very short distance behind him, matching Bayliss for speed until the last few moments.’

The court heard the crash happened when Bayliss tried to navigate a bend where he ‘lost control, his car began to rotate and it slid towards and collided with a lamppost’.

‘The result was a catastrophe,’ Mr Cobbe said. 

A collision investigator estimated Bayliss was travelling at a speed close to 90mph in the 30mph limit when he passed a Murco garage shortly before he crashed.

Mr Cobbe said: ‘Both Mr Bayliss and Mr Brooks were driving at excessive speeds and racing along the A4047.

‘That racing and driving at excessive speed contributed to his loss of control and of course causing the death of Sophie.’

Bayliss was later deemed not fit to stand trial due to his injuries following the tragedy.

A jury had to decide whether or not he committed the act with which he is charged, namely causing Miss Brimble’s death by dangerous driving. The jury found he was responsible.

Her family described Miss Brimble as ‘beautiful inside and out’.

‘From the moment she walked into a room it was as if the light shone a little brighter,’ they said.

‘She had that rare natural gift, the ability to make people laugh without even trying.

‘Her laughter was contagious, her smile unforgettable and her spirit was truly one of a kind. There was never a dull moment when Sophie was around.

‘She loved life with her whole heart, she embraced everyday with energy, warmth and the sparkle that made her unique.

‘Whether she was surrounded by friends or with family she made everyone feel special, included and loved bringing joy to everyone lucky enough to know her.’

The family said Miss Brimble had a special gift with her love for singing, and would perform Amy Winehouse’s ‘Valerie’ ‘with such joy and confidence’. 

‘We can still see her, hear her and feel the happiness she brought with every note,’ they said.

‘Sophie was an amazing friend – loyal, fun and always there when it mattered.

‘A loving sister that shared laughter, secrets and an unbreakable bond, a wonderful daughter who brought pride and endless love to the family.

‘Sophie never had the chance to meet all her nieces and nephews, she would have been the most incredible auntie, with her cheeky charm, full of fun love and laughter.

‘She would have adored them, and they would have adored her just as much. We can only imagine the joy she would have brought into their lives just as she did ours, that love still exists even in her absence.

‘Sophie was taken from us way too soon; it will be nine years in July which still feels like yesterday.

‘Back in 2017, Sophie should have celebrated her 21st birthday and this October she should be celebrating her 30th. These special birthdays we wish we could have shared with her.

‘Not only did we lose a precious member of our family, but we also lost a true friend, the kind of person whose presence you could never replace.

Bayliss had been racing Neil Brooks (pictured) who was jailed for eight years in 2019 at Cardiff Crown Court

‘Sophie is greatly missed every single day, in the quiet moments and the celebrations, in the laughter that reminds of us of her she was truly one of a kind, a beautiful soul that has left footprints on our hearts forever.

‘Sophie will never be forgotten, with our treasured memories we hold close to our hearts, she will be forever loved.

‘Sophie, our beautiful shining star.’

PC Paul Rees, of Gwent Police, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with Sophie’s family and loved ones, who have shown remarkable strength throughout the lengthy legal process.

‘We hope that the outcome brings some kind of closure to this long-standing investigation and recognise that, while judicial proceedings have been completed, their suffering will continue.

‘This case should serve as a stark reminder that there is no place for dangerous driving on our roads, and we will seek to prosecute those involved.’

The case was adjourned for a further hearing to be held next month to determine the appropriate legal outcome.