A YOUNG driver has admitted causing the death of a Newtown mother who died following a crash in Powys last year.

Renata Anna Sumiga, 38, was travelling with her children and husband in a Volkswagen Passat when she was involved in a collision with a Toyota Yaris on the A483 between Llanbister and Camnant on Wednesday, March 16, at around 7.30pm.

She died five days later.

Mia Price, 20, appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, March 1, where she pleaded guilty to a single charge of causing death by careless driving.

Prosecutor Stephen Davies, describing the death of Ms Sumiga as a “tragedy of a case”, said Price was driving a white Toyota Yaris on the A483 between Llanbister and Camnant on the evening in question and that the crash occurred after she had veered into the oncoming carriageway for 1.6 seconds.

“The collision occurred near Llaithddu at 7.30pm. It was dark and the weather was dry, there was no lighting,” said Mr Davies.

“The defendant was driving a Yaris and was the sole occupant, she was travelling towards Llandrindod.

“Radoslaw Sznajder was travelling in the opposite direction towards Newtown. He was driving with his wife and two young sons. One son was in the front passenger seat, his wife was behind him, with the other son in the other rear seat.

“For no reason that has been ascertained, the defendant’s vehicle veered over the lines and there was a front-end collision. Mr Sznajder said his wife got out of the car and so did the children. She was taken to the Royal Stoke Hospital and tragically passed away on March 21 due to the injuries she sustained.

“He had bruising to his chest and waist, while one son suffered a fractured collarbone.

“The police were called and the matter was investigated. There was no problem with either car and nothing to suggest that the weather or road conditions was a factor.

“It was discovered that the defendant was in the opposing lane for 1.6 seconds.

“This has had a huge impact on him (Mr Sznajder) and all of the family.

“The defendant was interviewed by police and said she remembered the start of her day; she had got some food, but then couldn’t remember anything else. She was injured quite seriously herself.”

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Stuart John, representing Price, of Bishopston, Swansea, said the death of Ms Sumiga would be something his client would live with for the rest of her life.

“The facts are accepted but, ultimately, her vehicle was only in the wrong lane for a split second, less than two seconds,” said Mr John.

“The result was momentary inattention. A problem exists in what it is that caused her to veer into that lane. Sadly, we can only speculate.

“It is a tragedy and the defendant acknowledges one that is predominantly for the family of the deceased.

“But it is also something her and her family have had to live with for the last 12 months. It will be something she lives with for the rest of her life.

“She suffered life-changing injuries and was hospitalised for several weeks. She returned home only because they felt they couldn’t care for her with the current NHS crisis. She regularly receives medical attention from physios, doctors and a neuro surgeon, as the incident has affected her memory.

“Whatever caused her to veer into the opposite lane, the collision had nothing to do with consuming alcohol or drugs. She has never taken drugs. She was not using her mobile phone and was not speeding.

“Sadly, it seems she was doing everything right on that journey, but for those few seconds.”

Magistrates said they felt their sentencing powers were insufficient, so they committed the case to the crown court.

Price is due to be sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on March 15. Magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report and imposed an interim disqualification from driving.

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